The han is located in the Grand Bazaar in Eminönü, the commercial center of Istanbul, and takes its name from the large chain that hangs over the entrance gate. During the Ottoman Empire, the han was an important trading center and was used by merchants to store goods and trade. Zincirli Han, which bears the architecture of the Ottoman period, is most notable for its large plane tree in the courtyard. Today, Zincirli Han is one of the tourist destinations in Istanbul and is home to a variety of shops, workshops, and art galleries.