Tabakhane Bridge is a historic bridge in Trabzon, connecting the Ortahisar and Cumhuriyet neighborhoods over the Kuzgun Stream. Its structure, spanning from the Roman to the Ottoman periods, features six-arched stone arches that combine two eras in one body, giving it a unique character.
Tabakhane Bridge connects the Ortahisar and Cumhuriyet neighborhoods over the Kuzgun Stream. The interesting aspect of the structure is this: two different eras coexist in a single body. To the south, there is a double-arched, single-span section dating back to the 1st century, the Roman period. To the north, a six-arched section added during the Akkoyunlu and Ottoman periods extends. There is a dilatation joint between the two parts; thus, the bridge can actually be read as two interlocked structures.
After the Roman period, the bridge was expanded during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and an aqueduct was built over it. Trabzon Komnenos Kingdom saw repairs, and according to sources, it had a wooden drawbridge system during this period. Akkoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan removed this wooden section and built the stone-supported bridge in its place. In 1833, Trabzon Governor Emin Muhlis Pasha extensively repaired the bridge and widened its deck. Much of its current appearance dates from this period. In the Republican era, the load-bearing deck was strengthened and covered with stone.
The bridge is still functional, open to one-way vehicle traffic. It is located on a route that connects the Meydan area to the east via Uzun Street, and Kabak Square to the west via Hisar and Zağnos Bridge. Recently, archaeological excavation and restoration work are planned for the bridge, with a focus on more detailed examination of the southern section dating back to the Roman period. The transformation of the area into an archaeopark is also on the agenda.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sümela Monastery.
Guide's Note
Layers of the Bridge
It would be wrong to consider Tabakhane Bridge as the product of a single period. The southern part is a Roman structure from the 1st century, built with large, mortarless block stones in an interlocking masonry system. This section has a double arch and a single span. To the north, six oval-arched spans extend; this part was shaped when Akkoyunlu ruler Uzun Hasan built the stone-supported bridge. The dilatation joint between the two sections leaves a visible dividing line. Following this while walking makes it easier to understand the architectural layers.
When to Visit
Since the bridge is an open-air structure, it can be seen at any time of the year. Summer and autumn months are generally preferred for visiting Trabzon, as temperatures are milder and rainfall is relatively lower during this period. It's advisable to be prepared for the typical rainy weather of the Black Sea in winter.
How to Get There
The bridge is in Ortahisar, close to the city center. If you are staying in Trabzon center, it is possible to reach it on foot. If you are coming from other parts of the city, dolmuş or taxi can be preferred. The bridge is on a route that extends from Uzun Street to Meydan, and to Kabak Square via Zağnos Bridge to the west. Therefore, it can be included in the same route with other historical points within the city.
Nearby Structures
Near the bridge, there are historical elements such as Tuzlu Çeşme (Salty Fountain) and Tabakhane Mosque Minaret. The Ortahisar region generally preserves the old texture of Trabzon. Visitors to the bridge often prefer to explore this area on foot as well. Since Zağnos Bridge is also on the same urban transportation line, it makes sense to include both in the same travel itinerary.
How Much Time to Allocate
15-20 minutes is sufficient to visit the bridge itself. However, if you include the surrounding Tabakhane Mosque, Tuzlu Çeşme, and Ortahisar streets, this period can extend up to half a day. It is more efficient to plan it as part of a Trabzon city center tour, along with other historical points.
Things to Note
Archaeological excavation and restoration work are reportedly planned for the bridge, with a focus on examining the southern section dating back to the Roman period. Therefore, temporary access restrictions or work areas may be visible in some areas during your visit. It is useful to confirm the current situation from local sources. Since the bridge is open to one-way vehicle traffic, it is necessary to pay attention to vehicle traffic when walking.
Photo Spots
The best angle to view the bridge is a frame looking up from stream level. The arches of the six-arched Ottoman section are more clearly distinguished from this angle. For those who want to examine the Roman period remains on the south side up close, the paths leading down to the bridge are also suitable for photography.
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