Khan al- ‘Arus

Located on the main road between Damascus and Homs, Khan al-‘Arus is a striking historical structure built by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi. The khan (caravanserai) was a facility constructed along travel routes to offer refuge to travelers, caravans, pilgrims, and couriers seeking provisions, rest, and security—for themselves, their animals, and their goods. As such, the khan also served as a commercial center where trading activities took place.

Khan al-‘Arus is a square-shaped building with each side measuring approximately 40 meters, constructed using large stone blocks. Its entrance is on the southern side, framed by two pointed arches. The entrance leads into a corridor, with a door on the left wall that opens to a staircase ascending to the roof, where a single room is located. The corridor opens onto a central open courtyard measuring 29.55 by 24.75 meters, surrounded by vaulted arcades and equipped with a water basin. Opposite the main entrance is the primary iwan (vaulted hall).

The upper floor contains a single rectangular room (6.40 x 3.85 meters) positioned directly above the main entrance. This room served a defensive purpose. It features a barrel-vaulted ceiling and two windows، one overlooking the courtyard, and the other above the entrance—both providing excellent visibility over the road. The room also has two doors allowing access to different areas of the rooftop. The khan once had crenellated balconies and arrow slits on all sides for defensive purposes, although these no longer exist today.

The inclusion of defensive elements in a civilian, non-military building is a hallmark of Ayyubid architecture in Syria. The Andalusian traveler Ibn Jubayr (d. 601 AH / 1204 CE), who visited the region at the time, noted the Levantines’ enthusiasm for building such khans. He described Khan al-‘Arus—referred to as “Khan al-Sultan” in honor of Sultan Salah al-Din—as remarkably beautiful and well-fortified, with an iron gate and a courtyard featuring a running stream that flowed into a circular basin.

Khan al-‘Arus shares architectural similarities with contemporary nearby caravanserais, such as Khan al-Qasr, but its precise execution and aesthetic detailing—like the pointed arches made of massive stone blocks—reflect the heightened care taken due to its prestigious founder, Sultan Salah al-Din.