In this picture you can see the recently restored caravanserai of Saruhan. Seljuk Sultans (11th to 13th centuries) gave money for the building of caravan palaces along the Silk Road, and the caravans could stay for free up to three days being provided with food, shelter for people and their animals as well with safety along the road. There are about 100 Seljuk caravanserais along the Silk Road, many still in good condition, others dilapidated, good examples of Seljuk architecture. In this photo you can see the courtyard of Saruhan, square in shape with large rooms on the right. There is a second portal facing the one at the entrance and behind it there is a domed room with vaults on the sides. The dome is supported by 16 columns. The inn(han) has a bath, a mescid (a small prayer room above the portal), a kitchen, stables and the quarters for caretakers.Saruhan caranvanserai was built in 1249 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat II, and today it hosts Mevlana (Whirling dervishes) ceremonies.