Khans constitute one of the most important buildings throughout history, because of
their important role in the economic life.
They were marked by the enormity of construction, area, and also by details and
architectural elements either in the uni
que forms of gates, the interior spaces, courtyards
and openings internal windows and doors.
Khans gates formed unique architectural panels of beauty and richness by their
decoration. They formed an important subject worthy of studying and research.
Khans flourished significantly as Aleppo was one of the most important commercial cities
throughout history, because of its important geographical location, something which
distinguished it from other cities., especially during the Ottoman era, which saw the
construction of more than fifty Khans inside the city. These khans were established during
different periods of the Ottoman era, which seem similar in the general plan, but different
in details depending on the period of construction. This resulted in different models with
different details, as reflected in the varied forms of gates in size, decoration and
architectural details.
Khan gates in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were marked by the big
dimension, the intensity of motifs, and rich architectural details influenced clearly by the
Mamluk architecture.
In comparison, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries seemed more simple,
less massive than its predecessors, and even devoid of decoration.
The effects of European architecture were clear on the gates of Khans in the end of
the Ottoman era in the early twentieth century.
As a result, khans gates in Aleppo during the Ottoman era waere characterized by
diversity in size, configuration and architectural details, which must be recognized in any
restoration project, in order to preserve the original features and the characteristic of these
monuments.
This research includes the
theoretical framework of formal relations between the components of the plans elements of
Khans. Depending on some modern studies in forming relationships, some formal relationships
are determined. They are represented b
y the relationship between the repetitive and unique
elements which form the final shape of the building. The scientific method is adopted in addition
to the statistical analysis for the purpose of access to the distinctive characteristics of Khans
buildings. It is clear from the practical results of this research that Khans buildings are
characterized by their participating characteristics by similar properties despite differences in
the time period in which the completion of that building, as well as differences in the
geographical location of those buildings. This conclusion indicates the unique vision and
common background of architectural thought in spite of the change of time and place. The
unique harmony of architecture thought determines the identity of Islamic architecture. This
indicates the consistency of this architecture that were not documented and does not have the
names of the creators who have done it, which by the history evidenced that it is fantastic.
