Description - وصف
Khan Sassi Museum, or as it is known as Sassi Palace, is an archaeological treasure hidden in ancient Sidon that narrates the glories of the past. This khan is located within the old souks in old Sidon. It is one of the most interesting archaeological sites to visit, as it contains historical treasures that reflect the richness of Sidon's heritage. The khan is owned by the Sassi family, one of the royal families in the city of Sidon. As it is known, it was previously Khan Sassi and the Debbana Palace, back to a Moroccan named Agha Hammoud, but he sold these properties after his financial conditions worsened. After the Hammoud family sold the palace, the Debbana family bought the salamlik, and the Sassi family bought the harem, which is known today as Khan Sassi. The khan is the property of the Sassi family, one of the royal families in the city of Sidon. Previously, it was Khan Sassi and Qasr Debbana, back to a Moroccan named Agha Hammoud, but he sold these properties after his financial conditions worsened. After the Hammoud family sold the palace, the Debbana family bought the salamlik, and the Sassi family bought the harem, which is known today as Khan Sassi. The history of Khan Sassi dates back to the Crusader period (1099-1291) and is made up of several domed halls that were restored and rehabilitated in 2010. The khan is the unique and contemporary building of the marine fortress located only 300 meters away from it. Khan Sassi is an ancient monument with a vaulted ceiling and walls. It was paved with stones, and it was built of pebbles, gypsum, and iron, inside it a well and some old hot water baths, and it has a terrace overlooking the old Sidon markets.
When you wander inside the khan, you have a chance to discover the various sections that it contains, especially those that were found during excavation and restoration work, most notably the underground room, which contains a furnace, wells and a bathroom, and it is likely that it dates back to the Mamluk era. The furnace was used to heat bathing water and to make pottery. And there is a special room for storing supplies such as wheat and other foods. It is worth noting that the highest building inside the khan is from the Crusaders era, and the thickness of its walls is what indicates it. The khan includes within it a well with drinking water, and rooms for accommodation and rest. As for the building of the third side, it dates back to the Ottoman era and this is very clear in terms of its design. Above the khan is a three-storey house, half of Hammoud's palace built in 1711 in the Turkish style. It contained two parts, the salamlik and the harem. Salamlek is a place designated for receptions, and the Haramlek is a place for women and children. There are two dug wells of different architectural styles that feed from the coastal aquifer, which testifies to the city's water wealth since ancient times. There is a third well located in the left wing of the khan, connected to the upper palace. Khan Sassi Museum displays a large and rich collection of valuable artifacts and artifacts, including paintings, precious stones, pottery and stone carvings. Tourists and visitors flock in large numbers to the Khan to have the opportunity to discover this historical treasure hidden inside ancient Sidon.