A severe drought in Turkey has caused the water level in the Altınnap dam to drop significantly, revealing an ancient 800-year-old caravanserai (a roadside inn). This historical landmark, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, had been submerged for decades.
The Altınnap caravanserai was constructed in 1202 during the Seljuk period, near the city of Konya. Historians consider it one of the earliest structures from this era, though the exact date of construction is believed to be even earlier than the documented 1201-1202.
However, due to the construction of a dam in the mid-20th century to provide drinking water and irrigation, the caravanserai was submerged. As the water level has dropped dramatically in recent years due to a prolonged drought, the ancient inn has once again emerged from the depths.
Despite being submerged for over half a century, the structure remains in relatively good condition. This rare reappearance offers archaeologists and historians a unique opportunity to study this significant piece of Seljuk architecture.
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