The Yeşilırmak (Hıdırlık) Bridge is a historic bridge built by the Seljuks in 1250 over the Yeşilırmak River near Tokat city center. It is made of cut stone, has 5 arches, is 151 meters long, and still serves pedestrian crossings.
The Yeşilırmak Bridge stands over the river in the north of Tokat, close to the city center. It was built during the Seljuk period in 1250 (H. 648). Made of cut stone, it has 5 arches, is 151 meters long, and 7 meters wide. It is also popularly known as Hıdırlık Bridge. The inscription on the western side provides information about the bridge's construction date.
Standing for over 750 years, this bridge is still in use today. It was once open to vehicle traffic, but today it serves pedestrian crossings. The flow of the Yeşilırmak in this section is calm. From the bridge, you can see the river view and the texture of this side of the city. Bridges are an important heritage in Tokat, and this structure is one of the oldest on that list.
It is not a heavily crowded tourist spot, which makes the bridge a peaceful place for a stroll. Another much newer bridge (ÇEDAŞ Bridge) nearby, which was decided to be demolished, made headlines. However, this 750-year-old stone bridge still stands strong. An interesting comparison regarding stone craftsmanship emerges.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Topçam Plateau.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Bridge
The Yeşilırmak Bridge was built during the Seljuk period in 1250. Its inscription is located on the western side of the bridge and provides information about its construction date. It is made of cut stone, has 5 arches, is 151 meters long, and 7 meters wide. It is also popularly known as Hıdırlık Bridge, as there is a neighborhood and a hill named Hıdırlık nearby. Its survival for over 750 years shows how solidly the stone masonry was done.
How to Get There
It is possible to see the bridge directly when crossing from Tokat Bus Terminal. It is within walking distance from the city center; it can also be reached by public transport or a short taxi ride. The bridge is located on Eski Turhal Yolu, by the Yeşilırmak River.
When to Visit
The bridge is outdoors and can be visited at any time. Walks along the river are more enjoyable in spring and autumn. In summer, you can avoid the midday heat and prefer morning or late afternoon hours.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-30 minutes is enough to visit the bridge and take photos. You can combine it with other historical sites in Tokat, such as Tokat Castle, Gökmedrese, Latifoğlu Mansion, to create a half-day walking route.
Photo Spots
Angles from both sides of the bridge showing the river and the arches offer good frames. The inscription stone on the western side is a separate shot for those looking for historical details. Photos taken during calm hours when the river water reflects the bridge arches stand out.
Things to Consider
Since the bridge is a historical structure, care must be taken when walking on it, as the stone surface can sometimes be slippery. It is not a suitable surface for wheelchair or stroller access. It is useful to keep the name Hıdırlık in mind to avoid confusing it with other bridges in the vicinity, such as another bridge recently demolished.
City Connections
Other historical sites in Tokat city center, such as Gökmedrese, Tokat Castle, and Meydan Mosque, can be reached from the bridge by walking or a short car ride. It is a good starting point for those who want to see the city's rich texture in terms of bridges.
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