The Sarihan Caravanserai stands about five kilometres east of Avanos and is one of the best-preserved Seljuk hans in Cappadocia. Built in 1249, it served merchants travelling the Silk Road across Anatolia and was large enough to house hundreds of camels and their drivers in its vaulted winter hall and open summer courtyard.
The building is solidly constructed in cut stone with a fine ornamental portal — the main entrance carries intricate geometric carving in the Seljuk style. Today Sarihan hosts nightly sema (whirling dervish) performances in the atmospheric vaulted hall. The performances are staged for tourists but use genuine Sufi ceremonial music and dance. Whatever your views on the commercialisation, the setting — torchlit stone vaults, the hypnotic turning figures — makes for an evening that stays with you. Booking in advance is advisable in high season.