Khan As'ad Pasha

The Khan As'ad Pasha Azm is the biggest Khan of Damascus. This oriental hostel was given in the 18th century near the Umayyad Mosque in Souk al - Bzouriyye by the Ottoman Governor Azim Pasha in order. The same also built the nearby very close Azim Palace.

Method of construction

The Chan was built on 2,500 square meters floor area in Damascus Black -and-white architecture. It consists of nine identical square pieces. Eight of them are surmounted by domes. Each dome is supported by four massive pillars. In the middle of the court an octagonal water basin is with a fountain. The ground floor of the Khan was used as a warehouse and stable, while the guest rooms were upstairs. The dome roof protects from light and heat and so facilitated the storage of the goods. In the summer of As'ad Pasha Chan is still a cool oasis in Damascus. Today, the Khan As'ad Pasha is used as a museum as well as a cultural center for art exhibitions and concerts.