Lion keeps mystery alive in Anatolian structure
AKSARAY - Anatolia News Agency
The Alayhan caravanserai was a special place where the Seljuk sultans lodged in Anatolia. The mysterious lion figure (below) was found during restoration work. on the caravanserai. AA Photos
12th century caravanserai undergoing restoration in the central Anatolian province of Aksaray features a mysterious “single-headed, two-bodied lion figure,” whose origins and history remain a mystery.The caravanserai, which was built in the Seljuk period during the 12th century during the time of Kılıçarslan II, was one of the special places where Seljuk sultans lodged in Anatolia.
Culture and Tourism Provincial Deputy Director Mustafa Doğan said that the caravanserai, located on the Aksaray-Nevşehir highway, was one of the most important caravanserais on the Silk Road.
Figure seen in Alayhan only
The mysterious figure was discovered during some of the restoration work completed on the caravanserai, according to Doğan. “There are some striking symbols in the architectural work of the Anatolian Seljuks. There is a single-headed lion figure with two bodies in this caravanserai. But the fact that his figure is seen only in the Alayhan in Anatolia makes the symbol special and mysterious.”
The lion is a historic symbol of power but they did not know the reason why it was used in the caravanserai, Doğan said.
The remains of a very large hamam are in front of the caravanserai and restoration work is also continuing there, Doğan said.