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How Kızlarağası Han evolved from 1744 into a handicrafts bazaar

Built by Hacı Beşir Ağa as a two-story Ottoman caravanserai, the building became the crafts hub of Kemeraltı after its 1988-93 restoration.

July 29, 2026 Konak, İzmir
How Kızlarağası Han evolved from 1744 into a handicrafts bazaar
Blog

An 18th-century Ottoman caravanserai

Kızlarağası Han was built in 1744 by Hacı Beşir Ağa, one of the era's prominent statesmen. Constructed in the classical two-story Ottoman caravanserai style, the building sits at the heart of Kemeraltı Bazaar.

The restoration process

The han underwent an extensive restoration between 1988 and 1993. This work both preserved the structure's architectural integrity and adapted it for contemporary use.

A handicrafts bazaar today

Following restoration, Kızlarağası Han was converted into a bazaar selling handicraft goods. The shops in its courtyard offer a wide range of shopping, from traditional handmade items to souvenirs.

A stop on any Kemeraltı visit

Since the han sits within Kemeraltı Bazaar, it is a natural stop for visitors exploring the area. Together with the nearby Hisar Mosque, it forms one of two key structures showcasing the bazaar's historic fabric.

Category
Travel
Date
July 29, 2026
Location
Konak, İzmir
How Kızlarağası Han evolved from 1744 into a handicrafts bazaar · İzmir - Şehrim Cepte