Located in the han district, Sulu Han is estimated to have been built in the second half of the 17th century. There are two possible explanations for its name. The first suggests that a stream once flowed through a large open area in front of the main entrance, eventually emptying into the inner harbor. The second theory is that an ancient water channel passed through this area, forming a public fountain in the mentioned open space.
Due to the shape of the plot on which it was built, the han has an L-shaped form. It is a single-story structure with an approximate depth of 70 meters. Like other hans in the area, it initially served long-distance caravans. However, as caravan transport declined over time, the han was repurposed for various other uses. In this context, many of its rooms were converted into tailoring and dyeing workshops for the textile industry, which had developed in the region since the mid-19th century, while others were used as offices for commercial purposes.
Over the years, Sulu Han has undergone numerous modifications, causing it to lose much of its original architectural form. Today, it continues to function within modern urban life, housing various shops. Like other historic İzmir hans that have been restored and regained their prestige, Sulu Han awaits restoration and recognition.