Varda (German) Bridge

Description

A high and majestic stone bridge built by German engineers on the Baghdad Railway line.

Story

The Varda Bridge is one of the most ambitious projects of the Ottoman Empire, representing the most important and challenging engineering marvel of the Baghdad Railway. Built in the early 1900s by German engineers to cross the deep Hacıkırı (Kıralan) Valley between Belemedik and Hacıkırı (Kıralan), this bridge rises 99 meters high and 172 meters long over the Varda Stream, from which it takes its name. Made entirely of stone, it has three main supports. The bridge was completed before World War I and became a symbol of the vision to connect Berlin to Baghdad. The construction process was a great struggle due to the challenging Taurus geography, with hundreds of workers and engineers working in the area. Today, the Varda Bridge, which is still open to railway traffic, is considered an industrial heritage monument with both historical and architectural value, and it is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists as well as photographers.

Visit Tips

• The bridge can be seen throughout the day; it is dangerous to approach the tracks as train services continue.
• The best photo spots are captured from the walking path under the bridge and the viewing terraces.
• The walking trails can be steep and rocky; comfortable shoes are required.
• It can get crowded on weekends and during the summer months.

Photos