Değirmendere Bridge is a 137-meter-long, three-arched bridge made of cut stone, built in 1891 in Ortahisar, Trabzon, and is still open to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Değirmendere Bridge takes its name from the stream it crosses. It was built from cut stone in 1891 with donations from Şükrü and Osman Efendi of the Nemlizade family. Previously, there was a four-arched, pointed-arch Ottoman bridge here. When it was destroyed, the current three-arched, flat-decked, and low-arched structure was built in its place. One arch of the first bridge on the east side is still standing, and there is also a drainage arch on the west side.
It is a structure 137 meters long and 5.5 meters wide. Its stone-paved deck, cutwaters, and abutments carry the engineering details of its period; records show that its project was drawn by the Chief Engineer of the Municipality at the time. The bridge is not an ornamental work; it is still open to real traffic today. It stands in the midst of daily life on the road between Trabzon city center and Karadeniz Technical University.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sümela Monastery.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Bridge
Before the current bridge, there was a four-arched, pointed-arch Ottoman bridge here. When this bridge was destroyed, in 1891, Şükrü and Osman Efendi from the Nemlizade family donated 2,000 Liras of the period's currency and undertook the construction of the new bridge. The new bridge, made of cut stone, emerged with a three-arched, flat-decked, and low-arched design. The fourth arch of the first bridge on the east side remained undestroyed and has survived to the present day. This detail can be noticed if one looks carefully while visiting the bridge.
Architectural Details and Photography
The bridge's cutwaters and abutments, which are the protruding stone structures that direct water flow, are quite impressive. These details are more clearly visible in photos taken from the downstream direction. The deck is stone-paved, and the railings have been replaced with metal over time. The eastern arch remaining from the old bridge shows both the historical layer and is interesting for photography. Afternoon hours, when the light hits the stream, bring out the texture of the stone better.
How to Get There
The bridge is located on the road between Trabzon Bus Terminal and Karadeniz Technical University. It is possible to reach it from the city center by bus lines such as 115, 119B, 120, 121, or by dolmuş. The nearest stop is 2 Nolu Bostancı, from where it's a 3-minute walk to the bridge. For those going by private car, there is a clear sign on the main road towards Yomra.
Best Time to Visit
The bridge is an open-air structure that can be seen at any time of day. During rainy periods, the swelling of Değirmendere makes the view under the bridge more vibrant. Those who want to avoid heavy vehicle traffic can prefer early morning hours or weekday afternoons.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-20 minutes is sufficient to see and photograph the bridge. It can be considered a short stop that can be combined with other attractions in Trabzon city center, such as Atatürk Mansion, Boztepe, or on the way to Sümela Monastery.
Things to Consider
The bridge is still open to active vehicle traffic; it is necessary to pay attention to vehicle traffic when walking or taking photos. Since the sidewalk width is limited, it is recommended that those with children hold their hands. It does not offer a suitable surface for wheelchairs or strollers, as the stone paving can be uneven.
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