The Gilanis call the flower “Titi” in their beautiful Gilki dialect. This name is left on one of the historical caravanserais of Gilan. It is called “Titi Caravanserai” and has a history of five hundred years.
At a distance of about 18 kilometers from the city of Siahkal in Gilan province, there is a very green and spectacular hill that was the place where the Titi caravanserai was built in the past centuries. This structure was created because the road connecting Lahijan, Deylaman, and Taleghan passed there. So, they had to build a structure so the caravans and travelers could rest in it and give their cattle water and fodder.
Titi Caravanserai is 40 km from Rasht City – the province’s capital; It is 25 km from Lahijan and is at the meeting place of two rivers, Shimroud and Babakooh. There is a stunning landscape of flowing water and greenery, blooming trees, and high mountains. It is as though all the beauties that nature can gift is gathered in Titi and the hands of an artful architect has built something to suit this beautiful background.
Who built Titi Carvansarai in Siahkal? There are two opinions. One is that the wife of Khan Ahmad Khan, the last ruler of Kiaiyan Gilan, ordered its construction. Kianian (or Al Kia) ruled in the eastern part of Gilan. Khan Ahmad’s rule was during the reign of the Safavid dynasty. In the year 1000 (lunar calendar) Shah Abbas I overthrew this ruler and ended their rule. Khan Ahmad Khan and his family also fled to Osmani, and he died there. The other story is that Titi Khan was the name of one of the Safavid princesses, and it was at her request that this caravanserai was built. However, Titi is known as the Safavid Caravanserai.
The characteristics of Titi Carvansarai
This structure was built of stone and brick in a square shape 500 years ago. Its use continued until the arrival of cars and changes in travel. This structure is called introverted; It is built in a way to protect it from harm; it is not easy to get inside and thus protected from thieves and bandits.
Titi is a caravanserai with a central courtyard around which the cabins are built. After the entrance door, you have to pass through the vestibule of the building and see the yard and its two porches. This carvansarai has a mezzanine (Miansarai) which is one of the characteristics of Iranian architecture, and it was used in structures with a central courtyard. Access to the stairs and rooms was through the mezzanine. This carvansarai has two rooms that measure 17 sqm. Miansara itself has an area of nearly 400 square meters. The royal residence of the caravanserai is in its southern part. Another feature is the pond in the middle of the yard.
Titi Carvansarai had a private owner and was going into ruins. In 1380 (2001) the cultural heritage department of Gilan bought it, began to repair it, to the extent that its historic form was maintained. However, it is believed that this valuable carvansarai needs more restoration and maintenance so that this structure of ancient heritage of that part of Gilan province is not damaged more.
It is worth mentioning that there is a native inn next to the carvansarai, and is available to tourists and visitors of this historic site. Loonak waterfall is 20 km from Siahkol City, Pashuran Park is 17 km from the caravanserai, Katul fortress is 16 km away from Titi, and some historical structures and beautiful natural promenade are some of the sights around the Titi caravanserai.
