Çobandede Bridge, Medieval stone bridge in Köprüköy, Turkey
Çobandede Bridge is a stone crossing that spans 130 meters (426 feet) across the Aras River, featuring six visible arches built from black, red, and gray cut stones fitted together. The different colored stone creates a distinctive striped pattern along the structure.
The bridge was built in the late 13th century during Mongol rule in Anatolia and took its name from Chupan, a Mongol general involved in its construction. It was part of efforts to establish important crossings during a period of shifting powers in the region.
The inscriptions carved into the stone reflect Armenian craftsmanship and the involvement of religious communities in maintaining the crossing. These marks show how different groups worked together at this important river passage.
The bridge sits about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Erzurum city, positioned where two tributaries meet. The area is fairly exposed with minimal shade, so bring sun protection and water when visiting.
One of the original seven arches lies buried underground, a reminder of how the landscape around this crossing has shifted over centuries. Multiple repairs, including restoration work by the Turkish military in the 1940s, have kept the structure standing.
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