Since the medieval period, the city of Iravan was strategically positioned at the crossroads of caravan routes, leading to the construction of numerous caravanserais and commercial squares. Caravanserais built from stone, featuring square inner courtyards with water pools at their centers, were considered among Iravan’s most distinguished architectural structures. Merchants visiting the city utilized caravanserais both as accommodations and storage for their goods. Some caravanserais also included stables for pack animals. 

Each of the caravanserais constructed in different historical periods in Iravan was an exemplary piece of architecture. However, starting from the 1920s and 1930s, due to the implementation of the city's master development plan, these centrally located caravanserais were gradually demolished. 

According to information provided after the city's occupation by Russian forces, during the first quarter of the 19th century, Iravan had seven caravanserais: Julfa, Georgian, Zarrabkhana, Tahir, Sulu, Susuz, and Haji Ali.   

Since Iravan’s Main Bazaar was located between the neighborhoods of Tapabashi and the city’s central area, most caravanserais were situated around this market. 

Until the early 20th century, the largest caravanserai in Iravan was the Georgian caravanserai, named due to its use by caravans traveling to and from Tiflis (Tbilisi). This caravanserai was located at the site of today's Zakyan Street, among the modern high-rise buildings behind the Charents School. During the Russian imperial period, due to the concentration of caravanserais in this area, the street was named "Karavansaraynaya."

The Sulu ("with water") and Susuz ("without water") caravanserais received their names based on the availability of water sources within their premises. The Julfa caravanserai, like the Georgian caravanserai, was named after the geographical route used by the caravans that stayed there. The Tahir caravanserai was named after the Azerbaijani dynasty that owned it. The schematic plan of Iravan from 1893 notes that this caravanserai belonged to Karbalayi Sadig Haji Tahir oghlu.

In addition to these caravanserais, there were others in Iravan, including Afshar, Sardar, Sheikhulislam, Taghli, Komurchu, and Haji Ilyas. The Sardar caravanserai was constructed in 1805 during the reign of Iravan's last Khan, Huseyngulu Khan Qajar, while the Sheikhulislam caravanserai was built in 1872 by Fazil Iravani, the Sheikhulislam (religious leader) of the Caucasus.

The 1893 schematic plan of Iravan records a total of 13 caravanserais existing at that time.

Following the establishment of Soviet rule in Armenia, caravanserais gradually ceased operation and were eventually erased from the face of the earth.