[2] Located on the north bank of the Tuzla Su, a tributary of the Euphrates,[3]: 243  Tercan is especially notable for the 12th century complex of buildings built by the Saltukid female ruler Melike Mama Hatun, which comprises her tomb, a mosque, a hammam and an impressive caravanserai which was heavily restored in recent years.

The town is divided into the neighborhoods of Ahmet Yesevi, Atatürk, Fatih, Kazımkarabekir, Mamahatun and Yavuz Selim.

[3]: 242–3 The 17th century Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi visited the place in 1647, calling it Mamahatun.

[5] Located just east of the town center, the caravanserai is a roughly square building arranged around a central courtyard.

[3]: 243–4  These are bordered by two long rooms that take up the entire north and south sides of the building; these served as stables and sleeping quarters for most guests.

[3]: 243  Each side of the entryway is flanked by a vaulted recess with a raised floor; this was where guards were posted.

[3]: 243  The original design had included two porticos on the north and south sides of the courtyard, in front of the first-class rooms; these no longer exist.