Armenia's Medieval Selim Caravanserai

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James Blake Wiener
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This medieval caravanserai located in present-day Armenia is located on the ancient Dvin Partav international trade route, which included the Selim Mountain Pass. (It was part of the ancient Silk Road.) According to an inscription at the site in Armenia, this caravanserai was originally built on the orders of Prince Chesar Orbelian in 1332 CE. The Selim caravanserai was destroyed in the 15-16th centuries and partially reconstructed between 1956-1959. Built from basalt, it is 41 m (135 ft) long. Its façade features two bas-relief statues embellished with dynastic emblems belonging to the Orbelians.

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About the Author

James Blake Wiener
James Blake Wiener has a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.

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APA Style

Wiener, J. B. (2018, April 09). Armenia's Medieval Selim Caravanserai. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8583/armenias-medieval-selim-caravanserai/

Chicago Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Medieval Selim Caravanserai." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 09, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8583/armenias-medieval-selim-caravanserai/.

MLA Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Medieval Selim Caravanserai." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 09 Apr 2018, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8583/armenias-medieval-selim-caravanserai/. Web. 05 Jul 2025.

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