Geluske Hani, as the name
suggests, used to be a han (caravanserai) with inns for travelers during the
old times. Caravanserais or Kervanserays
are inns for travelers to rest after their long journey during the time of the Silk
Road commerce and are usually located along trade routes. Turkey being on the junction between East and
West has a lot of these caravanserais, and this is one of those.
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| The alley leading to Geluske Hani. |
This beautifully restored han is
now a restaurant and café serving delicious and affordable local cuisine.
After my tiring quest searching
for the old five churches of Midyat, I ended up here taking my lunch.
There are several wooden tables draped with carpets and chairs
laid out at the big square central courtyard.
I ordered a plate of Iskenderun kebab with chopped tomatoes and green
salads, with the drinks it cost me less than TL20.
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| My Iskender kebab meal. |
As per the original design of a kervansaray, there are
rooms lining the portico on the ground and the upper floor where diners can rest
for awhile, take a sit around the low table while sipping their hot tea after meals.
Like the rest of the old houses around
town, the building is made up of honey-gold colored stone masonry.
 |
| Chambers lining the portico. |
 |
| Diners around the fountain at the courtyard. |
And to add to its authenticity, there was a
falcon roaming around the courtyard the time I was there. I was not sure though if the beast is owned
by the Han or just flying low.
It still retains its old charm, the
Han is one of the few good dining options in the old part of Midyat and serves
stuffed lamb as specialty.
Address: Eski
Midyat Kuyumcular Çarsisi, Midyat. Tel. 482/464-1442
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