Uzunköprü Bridge, Ottoman stone arch bridge in Edirne Province, Turkey.
The Uzunköprü Bridge spans 1392 meters across the Ergene River with 174 limestone arches connected by traditional Khorasan mortar. The entire structure shows carefully engineered spans that allow passage for pedestrians and historically for cart traffic as well.
Sultan Murad II ordered construction of this bridge between 1427 and 1443 as a replacement for a deteriorating wooden structure. The project formed part of Ottoman infrastructure development to secure important trade routes.
The bridge displays carved stone motifs including lions and elephants that reflect artistic traditions spanning Ottoman and Seljuk periods. Visitors can observe these details while crossing and notice how artisans incorporated symbolic imagery into the stonework.
Crossing is possible on foot, but uneven stone surfaces require sturdy footwear and caution during wet weather. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when traffic on the nearby modern bridge is lighter.
The structure holds the distinction of being the longest stone bridge in Turkey and preserves remarkable technical heritage under its 174 arches. These spans were created without modern machinery using only the craftsmanship and mathematical knowledge of medieval engineers.
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