Papaz Köprüsü, Stone bridge in Halkalı Merkez, Turkey
Papaz Köprüsü is a stone bridge that crosses the Ayamama Stream in this Istanbul area, connecting residential neighborhoods. The structure has a solid build that has endured over time, spanning across the waterway with straightforward stonework.
The bridge was built in the 16th century and served for centuries as a vital link between communities. After flood damage, it was thoroughly restored in the early 2020s to preserve its continued use.
The structure shows how people historically crossed this waterway and still shapes the local landscape today. It remains a visible part of daily life, connecting neighborhoods much as it did centuries ago.
The bridge sits in a residential area and is easy to reach on foot by walking through the surrounding streets. The best time to visit is outside the rainy season when water levels are lower and crossing feels safer.
Locals sometimes call the bridge by different names, showing how various neighborhoods and generations claim the structure as their own. This variety in names reflects how a single structure can hold different meanings for different people.
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