The Mother Shah Caravanserai is a historical building in Isfahan Province. The origins of this caravanserai date back to the Safavid era. Join us to learn more about this historical structure.
The reign of Shah Abbas I coincided with the golden era of caravanserai construction in Iran. These caravanserais, built due to the revival of the Silk Road, played a significant role in the trade during the Safavid era. The Morchekhourt Caravanserai, also known as the Mother Shah Caravanserai, is one of the historical and notable structures in Isfahan. The origins of this caravanserai date back to the Safavid period. It is located on the left side of the Isfahan-Tehran road, about 45 kilometers northwest of Isfahan. The Mother Shah Caravanserai, also known as the Morchekhourt Caravanserai and the Shahinshahr Abbasid Caravanserai, is considered one of the cultural hubs of Isfahan Province.
Architecture of the Mother Shah Caravanserai
By comparing the form and layout of the Mother Shah Caravanserai with some other Safavid caravanserais, its construction can be attributed to the era of Shah Abbas I. The entrance portal of this caravanserai bears a strong resemblance to the portals of the "Hosseiniyeh Caravanserai" and the "Ghebrabad Caravanserai," both of which date back to the reign of Shah Abbas I. Furthermore, the entrance to the stables is fully comparable to the stables' entrances of the "Kohpayeh" and "Bizioun" caravanserais, the former of which has inscriptions from the time of Shah Abbas I, and the latter is from the same period. The only inscription in the building, located inside the portal, belongs to the Qajar period and indicates repairs carried out in 1251 AH. In 1321 SH, this caravanserai was transformed into a military barracks. After the Islamic Revolution, the Abbasid Caravanserai came under the ownership of a military organization in Isfahan Province.
Exterior Appearance of the Mother Shah Caravanserai
The Mother Shah Caravanserai has a square layout with dimensions of 75 by 86 meters. Four round towers can be seen at each corner of the caravanserai. The entrance leads through a corridor with three arches, consisting of a short passage, a vestibule, and at the end, the large eastern veranda, which opens to the internal courtyard. In this section, two small rooms and upper floors were used by the guards. The main building of the Morchekhourt Abbasid Caravanserai has two floors with a total of 140 rooms. The stuccowork in the main building is remarkable and a prime example of its kind.
Restoration of the Mother Shah Caravanserai
The project to convert the Mother Shah Caravanserai into a guesthouse for attracting foreign tourists began in 1964. The goal of this project was to introduce international visitors to the artistic aspects and architectural values of the Safavid period. In the 1980s, after the ownership of the caravanserai was transferred to two private companies, the project to turn this caravanserai into an international guesthouse was reinitiated, and the development of this project continues to this day. Currently, accommodations are not available at the Morchekhourt guesthouse; however, it hosts numerous domestic and international conferences, seminars, and meetings in its newly constructed halls.
Facilities and Entertainment at the Mother Shah Caravanserai
As a cultural and artistic complex, the Mother Shah Caravanserai provides special amenities for visitors. Stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, copperware, local clothing, traditional foods, and more have been set up within the caravanserai’s grounds. Additionally, there are two traditional restaurants offering quality but relatively expensive food. A coffee shop and a traditional beverage house are also part of the caravanserai's offerings. Other features of the complex include green spaces, benches, fountains, lighting, and parking.
