 Dayahatyn Caravanserai of present-day | |
| Alternative name | Dayakhatyn, Daya-khatyn, Bai khatyn |
|---|---|
| Location |  Turkmenistan |
| Region | Lebap |
| Coordinates | 40°04′28″N 62°23′56″E / 40.074570°N 62.398800°E |
| Length | 53 metres |
| Width | 53 metres |
| History | |
| Material | Adobe bricks and burnt bricks |
| Founded | 9th century and transformed in the 11th to 12th centuries |
| Abandoned | 16th century |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | under restoration |
| Public access | yes |
Dayahatyn (also spelled Dayakhatyn or Daya-khatyn or Bai Khatyn in folk) is a medieval caravanserai, sitting on the left bank of the Amu Darya. It is around 170 km to the northwest of the modern city of Turkmenabat, Lebap welaýaty, near the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is a fortified square enclosure with sides 53 metres long. It is believed to have been originally a fortress built by Tahir ibn Husayn in the 9th century. In the 11th century, it was transformed into a caravanserai with fascinating brick-structures, providing shelter for not only caravans but also elites during their long journeys. The integrity of Dayahatyn is a typical example of the mastery of Seljuk architects in brickwork during the 11th and 12th centuries. Because of its artistic excellence, Dayahatyn is regarded as one of the most valuable examples, and perhaps the finest example, of a caravanserai extant in Central Asia, aside from that of Ribat of Sharaf.