What I can see

Bensousan Han (Inn) is one of the buildings that survived the fire of 1917. Its most characteristic architectural element is the octagonal space with a glass dome. The facade of the building is divided into two zones. The ground floor openings are defined by 4 ribbed pillars and the ground floor is separated from the first floor by a cornice, which projects further at the point of the pillars. The floor’s false parapets with capitals of Corinthian order are also developed on the same projecting points. Today, some of the pillars have been covered and the metal sunshade has been removed.

What I can't see

According to historical sources, its foundations had been laid since 1810, but it was built as an inn many decades later. Originally, it was the property of a former glebe of the Great Mosque in Mecca. When built as an inn, it was owned by the Jewish merchant Samuel Bensousan, from whom the building took its name. During its long history, there have been periods of abandonment and has been used in various ways. In recent years, it operated as a cultural multi-space, where many exhibitions, performances and other cultural events took place.

Info

• Address: 6 Edessis St.

Bibliography