Caravansary: meaning, definitions and examples
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caravansary
[ ˌkerəˈvanzəˌrē ]
historic lodging
A caravansary is a type of inn designed to accommodate travelers, especially in the Middle East and South Asia. These establishments historically provided lodging for caravans, which were groups of travelers journeying together, typically across deserts or along trade routes. Caravansaries often featured spacious courtyards, stables for animals, and access to necessities such as water and food. They served as important rest stops for merchants and travelers, contributing to trade and cultural exchange.
Synonyms
hostel, inn, lodging house, waystation.
Examples of usage
- We stopped at a caravansary to rest after a long journey.
- The ancient caravansary was a hub of trade.
- Travelers gathered in the caravansary for food and shelter.
Translations
Translations of the word "caravansary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 caravançara
🇮🇳 सराय
🇩🇪 Karawanserei
🇮🇩 karavanserai
🇺🇦 каравансерай
🇵🇱 karawansaraj
🇯🇵 キャラバンサライ
🇫🇷 caravansérail
🇪🇸 caravansario
🇹🇷 kervansaray
🇰🇷 카라반세라이
🇸🇦 خان القافلة
🇨🇿 karavansár
🇸🇰 karavansár
🇨🇳 驿站
🇸🇮 karavansaraj
🇮🇸 karavansaraj
🇰🇿 керуенсарай
🇬🇪 კარავანსარაი
🇦🇿 karvansara
🇲🇽 caravansario
Etymology
The term 'caravansary' comes from the Persian word 'کاروانسرای' (kârvânsarâ), which means 'caravan palace'. This term reflects the function of these facilities as places where caravans would rest during long journeys, often carrying goods for trade. They became prominent in the medieval era as trade routes expanded, particularly along the Silk Road and through the Ottoman Empire. The architecture of caravansaries often included large, open courtyards to accommodate not just the travelers but also their animals and merchandise. The design was practical, offering protection from the elements and the chance for communities to flourish around them. Over time, many of these structures fell into disrepair as transportation methods changed, but some have been preserved as tourist attractions and historical sites, offering insight into the travel and trade practices of past civilizations.