When discussing the ancient East, one cannot overlook the significant role of trade caravans, which evoke vivid imagery of bustling commerce along historic routes. For centuries, the Great Silk Road served as a vital link between Europe and the East, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Scattered along this illustrious path were numerous caravanserais, often standing solitary in the vastness of the desert, welcoming weary travelers. These structures were also prevalent in bustling cities, where trade flourished.
The term “caravanserai” translates to “palace on a trade route,” although this designation doesn’t always align with the reality of these establishments. Most caravanserais were modest, single-story buildings shaped in squares or rectangles, offering minimal amenities. Along the harsh desert routes, one might encounter a simple enclosure with a courtyard and a well, providing essential respite for both travelers and their animals. However, some caravanserais were grander in scale, resembling small fortresses designed to deter potential attacks. Architecturally known as “closed” caravanserais, these structures featured one or two stories and were fortified with ramparts. Inside, they housed warehouses, stables, corrals for animals, and living quarters for travelers.
In contrast, urban caravanserais were typically “open” in design, resembling medieval European inns or hotels. These establishments were equipped with stables, teahouses, saunas, and various facilities to cater to the needs of travelers.
A prime example of such an urban caravanserai is the Multani Caravanserai located in Baku’s historic district, Icheri-Sheher. Constructed in the 15th century, this caravanserai was specifically built for Indian merchants, known as fire worshipers, who journeyed from the city of Multan in present-day Pakistan.
Like many caravanserais, the Multani Caravanserai features a square layout, complete with a well in its courtyard. The perimeter of the building is lined with individual cells for lodging, while stables and auxiliary farm buildings are also present, ensuring that the needs of travelers and their animals were met.
Archaeological studies of the Multani Caravanserai reveal that it was constructed atop the remnants of an earlier structure, a common characteristic among many of Baku’s surviving architectural monuments.