A 16th-century caravanserai with a six-column fountain and arcades, now holding cafés and shops.
The Hasan Paşa Han is a caravanserai built between 1572 and 1575 on Gazi Caddesi, opposite the east entrance of the Ulu Cami. Its courtyard has a plain six-column fountain, pointed arches opening into the ground-floor rooms and barrel-vaulted colonnades, while the upper floor stone brackets project into the court and the columns of the two levels do not line up.
Today the han holds shops, cafés, a bookshop and restaurants, so portrait and still-life shots of tea, copper and café life are as common as architecture. Morning is quietest. Late afternoon fills the court with warm light, and at dusk the ambient lamps light the arches. Photographers should ask shopkeepers before photographing them or their wares.
| Best time | Morning or dusk |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Hasan Paşa Hanı, Gazi Caddesi, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 24-70 mm zoom, Fast prime lens
Location
Hasan Paşa Hanı, Gazi Caddesi, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
37.9128, 40.2372 View on map
Highlights
- Courtyard with six-column fountain
- Pointed arches and barrel-vaulted colonnades
- Shops, cafés and a bookshop in the arcades
- Warm dusk lighting
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning for fewer people.
- A 24-70 mm zoom covers the arcades and detail shots.
- Ask permission before photographing shopkeepers.
- Shoot handheld in dim arcades with a fast lens.
- Return at dusk for lamp-lit arches.
When to visit
Morning for quiet, dusk for lamp-lit arches.
Accessibility
Entered at street level with cobbled paving and arcade steps.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Hasan Paşa Han?
On Gazi Caddesi in Sur, opposite the east entrance of the Ulu Cami.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entry to the courtyard is generally free.
What is best to photograph?
The arcades, the fountain and café life.
Is tripod use allowed?
A tripod may obstruct tables and passage, so handheld shooting is advised.