Antiquities

Orbelian’s Caravanserai

Orbelian’s Caravanserai (known previously as the Selim Caravanserai) is a caravanserai located in Vayots Dzor, a province in the southeastern part of Armenia.

An Armenian inscription on the eastern interior wall, just after the entrance, states that it was built by Prince Chesar from the Orbelian dynasty in 1332 to provide shelter for people, animals, and goods that were traveling along the Silk Route.

When the flow of trade dried up following the decline of the Silk Route, Orbelian’s Caravanserai no longer served its purpose and fell out of use. Restorations of the building were carried out during the 20th century.

by Merike Joosep

Vigen Avetisyan

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