Evaluation of the space formation of confocused anatolian seljuk caravansarays using morphological analysis method

Caravanserais, which gained importance during the Anatolian Seljuk period due to the vibrant commercial life and developed along trade routes, are distinguished structures that have survived to the present day, reflecting the characteristics of their period with their diversity and uniqueness. These structures, possessing unique characteristics, exhibit a distinct diversity within themselves. Numerous high-quality studies exist on the classification of caravanserais aimed at understanding their diversity. However, the evaluation criteria used in these classifications appear to vary. This diversity across studies complicates a holistic understanding of caravanserai typology. This suggests that computational methods, rather than descriptive approaches, are necessary to reveal the similarities and differences between the structures. Researchers and experts generally classify Anatolian Seljuk caravanserais under four main typologies: solely closed, solely open, both open and closed, and concentric plan types. Within this classification, caravanserais with concentric plans differ from other typologies in terms of their spatial organization. This difference stems from the uniqueness of their spatial organization. Research has revealed that this topic has not been systematically addressed in previous studies. This necessitates a reexamination of these structures. In this context, the primary objective of this study is to examine the uniquely confocal caravanserais, which reflect the characteristics of the Anatolian Seljuk period and possess characteristic qualities, in comparison with other caravanserais (either closed or with both closed and open plans) and to identify similarities and differences in spatial organization. Using the Space Syntax method, a morphological analysis method, comparisons were made using numerically obtained data from the structures, and various assessments were presented. Furthermore, the Isovist analysis technique was used to calculate the views and field of view of the structures from specific focal points, thus determining the perceptibility of the space and enabling comparative evaluation. This study analyzes the spatial configurations of the structures, revealing their similarities and differences from those of other typologies. It is understood that concentric caravanserais have a significantly different plan structure than structures of other typologies. These structures are distinguished by a more centralized spatial arrangement. Therefore, considering the architectural characteristics of concentric caravanserais, evaluating these structures as an independent plan typology is considered an appropriate approach in terms of both clarifying typological classifications and deepening the analysis of Seljuk architecture