Full Name: Khan As’ad Pasha al-Azm
Building Classification: Khan and Hotel
Current Use: Under restoration
Ownership: Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums
Registration Number and Date: 13/7/1948 – 519T
Property Number: 798
Property Location: Buzuriyah
Address: Central Buzuriyah Souq, south of the Umayyad Mosque
Historical Period: Ottoman
Date of Construction: 1167 AH / 1753 CE
Builder: Governor of Damascus, As’ad Pasha al-Azm
Historical Overview:
Khan As’ad Pasha al-Azm is located in the heart of the Old City of Damascus and is considered one of the finest khans in the city. Since its construction, it has gained great fame and continues to attract tourists. The khan was commissioned by the Governor of Damascus, As’ad Pasha ibn Ismail Pasha al-Azm, who ruled between 1156–1170 AH. Construction began in 1165 AH / 1751 CE and was completed in 1167 AH / 1753 CE. Six years after its completion, a major earthquake struck Damascus and other Syrian cities, destroying many important buildings. Three large domes of this magnificent khan collapsed during the earthquake.
General Description of the Building:
The khan is entered through a large wooden door, which contains a small wicket door leading to a covered entrance with a vaulted ceiling adorned with decorative paintings. On either side of the entrance, two staircases lead to the upper floor. Beyond the entrance lies a central courtyard covered by nine domes (the central dome is open). The domes feature wooden decorations and plaster motifs and are supported by four columns and the surrounding walls. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a multi-sided basin. Surrounding the courtyard are 82 rooms distributed across the lower and upper levels.
Current Condition: Intact
