Day 8. Part 2. Caravanserai

On Google and Yandex maps.

The Silk Road from Europe to the East passed through Armenia. That’s why there were many caravanserais here.

Reference.

A caravanserai is a building or complex that served as a stopover and resting place for trade caravans, travelers, and their animals. They were common along trade routes and played a key role in supporting commerce between East and West. Caravanserais provided safety, food, and lodging for travelers, as well as protection from bandits.

This Selim caravanserai was built in 1332. Here are some facts I found:

It’s located almost at the top of the Selim Pass, at 2,410 meters above sea level.

Even in hot summer it’s quite cold and windy there (windy — confirmed; but not really cold), and in winter it gets covered in deep snow. A good asphalt road now runs near the caravanserai, but because of the snow, it’s only drivable about six months a year. The climate is harsh, but the views are unforgettable (confirmed about the views).

The first room:

Interior space:

It was hot outside that day. Inside — cool. Anton even got cold :-)

Side areas:

Light or ventilation opening:

Another view of the entrance:

View from the caravanserai over the valley:

I loved it. Usually, preserved buildings from that era are churches and monasteries. This one is utilitarian. That kind of place throws me deeper into the past — I can picture guys with camels hanging out here 700 years ago, sleeping and resting right in these spots.

As I’m writing, it hits me — it would be awesome to brew a cup of coffee there. Fits the vibe! Back then people rested here, drank tea and all that. Now, 700 years later, brew a little coffee.

We fed a dog and moved on.

24 August 2024