Abdal Bridge, Stone footbridge in Bursa Province, Turkey
Abdal Bridge is a stone pedestrian crossing that spans the Nilüfer River in Bursa Province, built with twelve pointed arches made from local limestone and sandstone. Roughly 70 meters long and nearly 5 meters wide, it connects the Acemler and Hürriyet districts.
Construction began in 1666 under merchant Abdal Çelebi and took three years to complete as part of Ottoman trade infrastructure. It formed a vital link for commerce along established trading routes during that period.
The structure takes its name from its builder Abdal Çelebi, who worked under the spiritual guidance of Niyâzî-i Mısrî and reflects Ottoman patronage traditions. It served as a connection point between communities and remains a local landmark tied to the merchant class.
Since 1978, it has served only as a pedestrian crossing, with a relatively narrow path for foot traffic. Visitors should watch their step as the historic stones can be uneven and slippery when wet.
The structure includes two guard points with a prayer niche and fender piles on its northern section, features uncommon in Ottoman bridge design. These details show that the construction served purposes beyond simple transportation and included considerations for protection and spiritual use.
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