Built in 1651, the Old Caravanserai Büyük Valide Hani in the heart of Istanbul provided lodging for foreign merchants, storage for goods or merchandise, housing for artisan workshops, and offices from which to conduct dealings.
 
Painted en Plein Air, I listened to silversmiths tap, tap, tap on sterling silver chalices and platters through the window next to me; they were as interested in what I was painting as I was in their craftsmanship. 6x8" Original Oil on Belgian Linen panel.