Ancient City of Misis and Its Bridge

Description

The historic bridge over the Ceyhan River is famous for its ancient mound and acropolis ruins.

Story

Misis (Mopsuestia) is an important city established on the Ceyhan River at the intersection of the roads connecting the İskenderun Gulf to Central Anatolia throughout history. Excavations at the mound indicate that the settlement dates back to the Neolithic Age. The city reached great prosperity, especially during the Roman and Byzantine periods, becoming an important episcopal center. Today, its most magnificent surviving structure is the historic Misis Bridge over the Ceyhan River. The bridge was built during the Roman period and has been repaired multiple times during the Byzantine, Seljuk, Ramazanoğulları, and Ottoman periods. Even today, this bridge, which maintains its solidity, has facilitated the passage of caravans and armies by connecting both banks of the river. On the mound, remnants of walls, mosaics (exhibited in the Mosaic Museum), and traces of other structures can be seen. Misis is a silent city of monuments with a multi-layered history that witnesses the flow of time along the river.

Visit Tips

• Can be visited for free for 24 hours.
• The bridge is currently open only to pedestrians.
• The stone surface may be slippery after the rain.
• It is possible to photograph the bridge from different angles along the riverbank.

Photos