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This bridge over the ‘Köprü Çayı’ (the ancient Eurymedon River) was situated on an important trade route, with the nearby Roman theater in use as caravanserai at the time. It was a toll bridge; that’s why it was not built in a straight line, but with an angle in its middle: wagons passing by had to slow down for the manoeuvre, and could more easily be stopped, if necessary.
On the bridge there is a large building inscription (200 x 60 cm), reporting it was (re)built during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat (1221-1237). It is 220 m long and has 7 arches; the road’s width varies from 6½ to 3½ meters. The bridge underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1991-2003.
Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: Website of ‘www.fatihkarci.com’ & Personal visits (1981-1985-1992-2004)
On the picture: a modest remain of the ancient Roman bridge. Unlike the Seljuk, who only used cut stones to construct bridges, the Romans knew how to produce concrete.
(From Wikipedia:) Concrete technology was known by the ancient Romans and was widely used in the Roman Empire - the Colosseum was built largely of concrete and the concrete dome of the Pantheon is the world's largest. After the Empire was destroyed, use of concrete became scarce until the technology was re-pioneered in the mid-18th century.
Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Copyright Dick Osseman. For use see my Profile.
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