Hızmalı Bridge
A legendary Karakoyunlu bridge in Şanlıurfa, famed for its pointed arch and tales of embedded jewels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Hızmalı Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Karakoyunlu bridge in Şanlıurfa, famed for its pointed arch and tales of embedded jewels.
"A very beautiful, elegant, historical bridge, the most beautiful bridge I have ever seen."
📸 Capture the Arch
The pointed arch is a stunning focal point. Try different angles for the best shot!
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
Even with partial closures, the area offers a glimpse into Şanlıurfa's historical fabric.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Foundations
Bridge foundations
Discover the legend of Sakine Sultan's jewels, said to be embedded in the foundations for stability.
Karakoyunlu Architecture
Bridge structure
Admire the historical Karakoyunlu architectural style, evident in its cut stone and rubble construction.
The Pointed Arch
Central arch
Marvel at the elegant pointed arch, a key feature of this ancient crossing over the Karakoyun Stream.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the Legends
Check Current Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Arch
The pointed arch is a stunning focal point. Try different angles for the best shot!
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
Even with partial closures, the area offers a glimpse into Şanlıurfa's historical fabric.
💧 Imagine the Water
Picture the Karakoyun River flowing strongly, as it once did, and the bridge serving as an aqueduct.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Arch
The pointed arch is a stunning focal point. Try different angles for the best shot!
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
Even with partial closures, the area offers a glimpse into Şanlıurfa's historical fabric.
💧 Imagine the Water
Picture the Karakoyun River flowing strongly, as it once did, and the bridge serving as an aqueduct.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hızmalı Bridge for its beauty, elegance, and historical significance, calling it one of the most beautiful bridges they've seen. The legends surrounding its construction add a unique charm. However, some reviewers note that ongoing renovations have led to limited access and a feeling of neglect in the surrounding area.
"Perfect"
Salih GÖK
"A very beautiful, elegant, historical bridge, the most beautiful bridge I have ever seen after the bridges in Edirne ❤️"
Ayça
"Rumor has it that Sakine Sultan, the daughter of the ruler of Karakoyunlu, stopped by Urfa on her way to Hajj, built this bridge and placed her jewels on the bridge foundations so that she could build the bridge. After the bridge collapsed due to a flood, she ordered it to be rebuilt. For this reason, the bridge was called the Hızmalı or Speed Bridge. Sakine Sultan's tomb is located on the edge of the aqueduct on the Karakoyunlu River.
The bridge is not far away, in the center of Şanlıurfa on the Karakoyun River, although the river is now empty. The lower part of the bridge was being renovated, so the lower path was closed. But it is a beautiful place, if it was cleaned up it would be a good place to sit. It is a pity that it has been neglected."
Surush Alipour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hızmalı Bridge is located in the center of Şanlıurfa, making it easily accessible. You can typically reach it by local taxi or by walking if you are staying nearby. Public transport options might also be available, but checking local routes upon arrival is recommended.
Yes, the bridge is situated over the Karakoyun Stream in the heart of the city, so it's generally straightforward to locate.
For convenience, especially if you're exploring other parts of Şanlıurfa, a taxi is a good option. Walking is also feasible if your accommodation is close to the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hızmalı Bridge is a historical monument and generally accessible to the public without an entrance fee. However, access to certain parts might be restricted due to ongoing renovations.
As an outdoor historical site, Hızmalı Bridge does not have set opening hours. You can visit it at any time. Keep in mind that surrounding areas might have limited access during renovation periods.
Recent reports indicate that parts of the bridge were under renovation, which may have temporarily closed off certain sections. It's advisable to check local conditions or inquire upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the historical Karakoyunlu architecture, the distinctive pointed arch, and the remnants of its past as an aqueduct. The legends surrounding its construction also add to the experience.
Absolutely! The bridge's historical architecture and the central arch make for excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour.
The bridge is a significant historical monument reflecting Karakoyunlu architecture. Legends about its construction, involving Sakine Sultan, add to its cultural importance.
Depending on the current renovation status, full access might be limited. Visitors have noted that the lower path was closed during their visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
As Hızmalı Bridge is located in the city center of Şanlıurfa, you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity offering local cuisine.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly on the bridge, the surrounding areas along the Karakoyun Stream might offer spots for a picnic, provided they are accessible and clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons during the golden hour offer beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge's details and architecture. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer people.
Focus on the central pointed arch, the stonework of the bridge, and the surrounding landscape of the Karakoyun Stream. Capturing the bridge with the city in the background can also be effective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the visible architectural features like the pointed arch and the stonework. If accessible, a short walk across a stable section can be an engaging experience. The surrounding area, though potentially affected by renovations, might still offer a glimpse into the local environment. It's best to manage expectations regarding full accessibility and focus on the storytelling aspect of the bridge's history.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The best light for photography is often during the golden hour, typically late afternoon, which casts a warm glow on the ancient stones. Weekday mornings can also be advantageous for fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. While renovations might affect some viewpoints, the overall structure and its historical context provide ample opportunities for compelling imagery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Legends of Hızmalı Bridge
One of the most enduring stories associated with the bridge involves Sakine Sultan, the daughter of a Karakoyunlu ruler. Legend has it that she commissioned the bridge during her pilgrimage to Hajj and embedded her jewels, specifically a gold nose ring, into its foundations to ensure its strength and longevity. This tale gives the bridge its name, 'Hızmalı,' which can be interpreted as 'with a nose ring' or 'speedy,' possibly alluding to the swift construction or the legend itself. The bridge also served a dual purpose, functioning as an aqueduct in its early days, with hidden water channels contributing to its historical utility.
Despite its historical significance, the bridge has faced periods of neglect and renovation. Visitors have noted that parts of the lower path were closed due to ongoing work, impacting the full experience. However, its presence continues to be a vital part of Şanlıurfa's historical fabric, attracting those interested in its unique blend of history, architecture, and folklore.
Architectural Significance
Beyond its primary function as a crossing over the Karakoyun Stream, the bridge also incorporated drainage openings adjacent to the arch, a practical consideration for managing water flow. Furthermore, historical accounts suggest that the bridge initially served as an aqueduct, featuring hidden water channels. This dual functionality underscores the ingenuity of its design, serving both transportation and water management needs. The blend of these elements makes Hızmalı Bridge a significant site for understanding historical engineering and architectural practices in the region.
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