Functions of Caravanserais in the Safavid Era

According to historical reports, caravanserai-building is very long-standing in Iran. Given the effective characteristics of these edifices, caravanserais had significant roles in the promotion of commercial traffics, and hence, the growth of commerce in this country. During the Safavid period, the construction of caravanserais witnessed a significant development. Through the efforts of Shah Abbas I to promote commerce in this country, there was an increase of different commercial roads for various merchants who came to Iran in the form of individuals or caravans. As a result, many caravanserais were built in different regions in this country, and particularly, on the roads between cities so that caravans could stay and rest. In addition to providing lodgings, meals, entertainments, etc., caravanserais performed a variety of economic, military, religious, political, religious, cultural, and social functions at the effective services to the Safavid government. The present study tries to explain the functions of caravanserais in the Safavid period and the roles they played in the commercial development during the period. Findings of the present study show that caravanserais, which are today regarded as one of the heritages of civilization, had a significant role in their various multi-purpose functions in the economic- commercial lives of different nations and in the interplay of ideas among them through the appropriate architecture in different climatic types.