Büyük Valide Han

The Büyük Valide Han, in Istanbul

The Büyük Valide Han is the largest historic han, or caravanserai, of Istanbul, several centuries old. The Istanbul audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this former relay of the merchants come from the East on camel back, today invested by numerous artisans, whose roof offers one of the finest views of the city for adventurous visitors.

History

On your left is the access to the Büyük Valide Han, one of the many hans that dot Istanbul. The hans were caravanserais, where the merchants come on camel back from the far depths of the East lodged to bring their goods to this legendary merchant crossroads. The Büyük Valide Han is the largest of them: founded in the seventeenth century by the sultana Kösem, it is today about three centuries old. This former caravanserai is now frequented by numerous artisans, who open their doors to the curious. You must not be put off by its somewhat dark appearance: it is better to awaken the adventurer that slumbers within and go to explore the interior, its courtyards and its workshops. If access to the roof is authorised, it is worth climbing to enjoy one of the finest views of Istanbul, over the sea of domes and minarets of the old town. The Büyük Valide Han thus offers an authentic plunge into the commercial and artisanal history of the city.

What to see

Here you explore the largest historic caravanserai of Istanbul, former relay of the merchants come from the East on camel back, three centuries old; invested today by artisans who open their workshops, its roof offers, if access is allowed, one of the finest views of the sea of domes of the city. The Büyük Valide Han is a hidden treasure of Istanbul. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Büyük Valide Han lies in the Eminönü district, near the Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul, reachable on foot. It is a former caravanserai occupied by artisans, whose access to the courtyards and the roof follows the conditions of the moment, which vary. It is best to enquire before coming and to remain careful on the stairs.

What is the Büyük Valide Han in Istanbul?

It is the largest historic han, or caravanserai, of Istanbul, founded in the seventeenth century by the sultana Kösem; these relays once hosted the merchants come from the East on camel back, and this one, three centuries old, is today invested by artisans, its roof offering one of the finest views of the city.

Where is the Büyük Valide Han in Istanbul?

In the Eminönü district, near the Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul, in Turkey.