Khan al-Amud

An Ottoman khan from the middle of the 17th century. It stands on the east side of the Al-Bzouriyah Souq, directly opposite Khan As’ad Pasha. The name comes from the heavy column that carries the dome over one of its two courts; the column and the springings of the arches are still in place. The building has two floors, two groups of shops and two courts.

Getting there

From the door of Khan As’ad Pasha in the Al-Bzouriyah Souq, cross to the other side. The distance is the width of the souq. Almost everyone who comes to Khan As’ad Pasha leaves without seeing this one, when looking across the lane is all it takes.

What to see

The two courts are not alike. One is open, with a vine trellis in the middle, two floors of rooms around it and arched doorways below; in the afternoon the whole court is dappled under the vine. The other was later covered with a sheet-metal roof and works as a store today.

How it stands today

This is not a restored monument. Plaster has come off the walls, sacks and handcarts stand in the court, and some rooms are out of use. The building still reads, though: the arches hold and the column holds.

How long it takes

15 minutes. If you have already seen Khan As’ad Pasha you need no separate time for this; step through the door and walk the two courts.

Don’t miss

The column itself. That single stone is what still names the building, the weight of the dome rests on it, and the arch springings around it are visible to this day.