image

 

10 Historic Bridges Across Anatolia You Should Cross

September 29, 2022

Bridges have enabled the development of nations and cross-cultural interaction throughout history. In addition to their usefulness, these buildings are notable for their distinctive architectural features and appealing looks. Numerous old bridges in Anatolia have been passed down through the generations. Some of them are included in the list of the country’s most prestigious bridges that we have provided below. So before reading the entire article, first apply for a turkey visa online.

Dicle (On Gözlü) Bridge, Diyarbakır

Locals refer to the Dicle (Tigris) Bridge as the 10-Eyed (On Gözlü) Bridge because it has ten openings. The Bridge is situated on the Dicle River in Diyarbakir’s Sur district. Due to the city sieges in the past, the Bridge was damaged numerous times over time. Since there was no way to reach Diyarbakir from other bridges during the Middle Ages, the Bridge had to be rebuilt multiple times. The inscription at the Bridge’s foundation gives the firmest date for construction, even though the same year of building is uncertain. It was 1065, according to that inscription. Since then, the Tigris River has been beautifully viewed from this Bridge, which has proven necessary.

Varda Bridge, Adana

One of Adana’s most iconic buildings is the Varda Bridge, which has long been recognized. In the Karaisali district is this famous Bridge that lies crossed by trains. As a result of an agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Germany, Varda Bridge was constructed in 1912. Germany needed this Bridge to have faster access to oil resources, while the Ottoman Empire used it to transport soldiers, people, and trade. The Ministry of Culture & Tourism has chosen the Varda Bridge as one of Turkey’s 13 most prestigious bridges. Varda Bridge was also the setting for a crucial scene in the James Bond movie “Skyfall.” Everybody should see the breathtaking canyon view from the Bridge.

Malabadi Bridge, Diyarbakır

Built by the Artuqids in the 12th century, Malabadi Bridge is one of the grandest works of art from the Seljuk period. The Bridge crosses the Batman Stream inside the city limits of Diyarbakir. The Bridge’s twisting columns depict the sun, animal, and human motifs. The majestic architecture of Malabadi Bridge was mentioned by Evliya Celebi in his travels when he said, “The dome of Hagia Sophia can (easily) fit beneath the Malabadi Bridge.” Any visitor to Batman must stop and admire this piece of art.

Cendere Bridge, Adıyaman

One of the eldest bridges still in use worldwide is the ancient Cendere Bridge. It is situated in Eskikale, a historic settlement now known as Adiyaman, 55 kilometres away. The 32.20-meter-long span of the Bridge, which was constructed by stacking 92 tonnes of heavy stone blocks, has allowed it to stand over the Cendere Stream since the Roman era. The second-widest Roman arch bridge is the Cendere Bridge. It is believed that the Roman emperor Septimus Severus gave the order for its construction two thousand years ago. According to the legend, Bridge, which had four sections overall, was constructed in honour of the wife and sons of the emperor Septimus Severus. His son succeeded the emperor to the throne, killed other brothers and destroyed all, including his pillar on the Bridge. As a result, the Bridge has three rather than four sections.

Taşköprü, Adana

Seyhan and Yüregir, Adana’s two most significant centre districts, are connected by TaÅŸköprü on the Seyhan River. One of the most significant symbols of Adana is the TaÅŸköprü, which translates to “stone bridge” in Turkish and dates back to the Roman Imperial Period. The oldest Bridge in history still in service is TaÅŸköprü Bridge, according to literature. TaÅŸköprü has served as a central hub for visitors from Anatolia to the south and east throughout history, including warriors, emperors, and caravans. The 350-meter-long Bridge stands out thanks to its 16 arches.

Irgandı Bazaar Bridge, Bursa

The historic Irgandi Bazaar Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world with a bazaar. Other instances can be found in Bulgaria and Italy. On the Gökdere River, the Irgandi Bazaar Bridge was built in 1442 to link the Bursa districts of Osmangazi and Yildirim. Said, The Bridge is a representation of Ottoman bazaar culture. There are 32 shops in all on it. It is equally exceptional as a physical art bridge with traditional Turkish handicraft workshops situated on it. It is no surprise that it was chosen as one of Turkey’s top 13 bridges.

Palu Bridge, Elazığ

The Palu Bridge, which spanned the Murat River in Elazig’s Palu area and was formerly the only east-west transit route, is significant. Ten pointed arches with various widths and heights make up Palu Bridge. The Palu Bridge has undergone numerous changes throughout the years, and its exact construction date is still unclear. Some claim that it was constructed during the Roman era, while others assert that it was built during the Artuqid or Seljuk era. The Ministry of Culture & Tourism has chosen the Historic Palu Bridge as one of the top 13 bridges in Turkey.

Oluk Bridge, Antalya

Overlooking the Köprüçay River is the old Roman Bridge known as Oluk Bridge. One of the critical elements of Köprülü Canyon National Park is the Bridge, historically known as “Eurymedon” during the Roman era. It is understood to have been erected in the second century, even though nothing is known about its past. Selge, the historic Turkish city that served as the Roman Empire’s capital, is close to Oluk Bridge.

Ortacalar Twin Bridges, Artvin

The Ortacalar Twin Bridges in Artvin are among the most stunning old bridges in the area because the two separate bridges are opposite. The bridges cross two streams: Sogucak Stream and Kamilet Stream, accordingly. These ancient buildings have previously served as bases for deploying troops to the Caucasus. Because of the Bridge’s high pointed arch, it is safer to cross the Black Sea’s swift stream creeks from this location.

Çeşnigir Bridge, Kırıkkale

Between the towns of Köprüköy and Karakeçili in the Kirikkale district is the Cesnigir Bridge. The Bridge was built during the Seljuk era and is significant historically. The Timurid army crossed this Bridge to move into Ankara before the Battle of Ankara in 1402. The Bridge was also modernized and renovated in the 16th century by the Grand Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan, contributing to its continued existence today.

The bridges of Anatolia are both valuable and exciting. The beautiful decorations and interesting facts give entertainment value, while the architectural features reveal the history of each Bridge.

Please don’t rely on our word entirely, though. Apply for a turkey e visa, visit Anatolia and cross these famous bridges to find out for yourself.