Delal Bridge, Roman bridge in Zakho, Iraq.
Delal Bridge is a Roman stone structure that spans 114 meters across the Khabur River, featuring five smaller arches alongside one large central arch. The bridge rises approximately 15.5 meters above water level and measures about 4.7 meters in width.
The bridge was built during Roman times and served as a vital crossing point in the region. It was partially destroyed in 1833 by Mir Muhammad of Rawanduz to block Ottoman military movements.
The bridge carries the name Delal from a Kurdish legend about a woman sacrificed during construction to ensure its stability. This story remains central to how local people understand and relate to the structure.
Access to the bridge is available via local roads from Zakho, with conditions varying by season. Wearing sturdy footwear and checking local conditions before visiting is recommended.
The bridge walls feature large carved stones with no inscriptions at all, a characteristic that has puzzled archaeologists for years. This absence of identifying marks makes pinpointing the exact construction date quite challenging.
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