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Caravanserais were roadside inns or rest stops that were commonly found along trading routes in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. These establishments provided accommodation, food, and facilities for merchants, travelers, and their animals. Caravanserais played a crucial role in facilitating trade and communication between different regions, serving as important hubs for cultural exchange and commerce. These structures typically featured a central courtyard for resting and stabling animals, as well as surrounding rooms for sleeping and storage. Many caravanserais were built with fortified walls and guard towers to protect travelers and their goods from bandits and other threats.