The caravanserai of Sultan Hafsa in Marmaris.

The caravanserai of Sultan Hafsa in Marmaris.

The caravanserai of Sultan Hafsa in Marmaris was built in the 16th century on the orders of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In the Middle Ages, caravanserais served as roadside inns for travelers and soldiers in various Islamic countries. This caravanserai was commissioned during the campaign to Rhodes in 1522–23, when the main base of the Ottoman army was in Marmaris. The building, with eight rooms, was used as a headquarters and was later transformed into a caravanserai after the island was captured. According to an inscription on the building, it opened to visitors in 1545 and was named after the Sultan's mother, Valide Sultan Ayşe Hafsa.

Today, the caravanserai is privately owned and houses souvenir shops, cafes, and taverns offering traditional cuisine and shisha. Visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs, including handmade items from local artisans.

The caravanserai has become a symbol of Turkish hospitality and a venue for various festivals and cultural events that attract tourists. Plans are underway for restoration and the creation of a museum. The architectural structure has a rectangular shape and includes eight rooms, comprising a large hall and seven living quarters. The inner courtyard is adorned with painted arches, and at its center stands a small mosque where Sultan Suleiman once prayed.

Despite its age, the caravanserai has been well-preserved thanks to the local community's care and the support of entrepreneurs who allocate funds for its renovation and improvement.