My first Publication HISTORY OF TURKISH HOTEL INDUSTRY | Page 2

The history of business accommodation in Turkey, is based on the old inns and
caravanserais. In the Orkhon Inscriptions (6th century), accommodation is called “Moyanlık”.
Orkhon inscriptions
Moyanlik is actually a accommodation and overnight facilities established by the
Turks as a “benevolent society”.
Turks are known for their hospitality. The Turks established the first
accommodation facility called today's “Hotel”. These places, later called “caravanserai” ,
reached the most perfect level by Anatolian Seljuks and Ottomans. The caravanserais built on
the caravan roads of Anatolia in the first half of the 13th century during the Anatolian Seljuk
period reflect a very important architectural feature. Today, the number of caravanserais, some
of which are in ruins and some of them intact, exceeds one hundred. The caravanserais, which
are established at the frequencies and intersections of the roads, are mostly close to the water
and forest where the traveling people can stay with their animals and change their animals if
necessary.