Irgandı Bridge: The World’s First Bazaar Bridge Defying Time with Its 583-Year History

In the heart of Bursa, a unique structure bearing the traces of the Ottoman Empire rises: the Irgandı Covered Bridge. Built in 1442, this historical bridge stands out not only as a landmark of Bursa but also as the world’s first covered bridge. With its 583-year history, the Irgandı Bridge is like a time tunnel, taking visitors on a journey deep into history.

Spanning the Gökdere River and connecting the Osmangazi and Yıldırım districts, the Irgandı Bridge was commissioned by Pir Ali’s son, Merchant Muslihiddin, during the reign of Murad II. This unique structure, bearing the signature of architect Timurtaş, son of Abdullah, is the only Ottoman bridge with an arasta (row of shops). Located on the Silk Road, the bridge has withstood many challenges over time, including earthquakes, floods, and wars. Especially heavily damaged during the War of Independence, the bridge was restored to its original form in 2004.

The Irgandı Bridge boasts a unique architecture rarely found elsewhere in the world. It shares the same category with bridges like the Osma Bridge in Bulgaria, Ponte Vecchio and Rialto Bridge in Italy, Kramerbrücke in Germany, Pulteney Bridge in England, and Pont de Rohan in France. This feature makes the Irgandı Bridge a point of great interest internationally.

Today, the bridge offers visitors a unique experience with its 32 shops. In these shops, where the finest examples of handicrafts are displayed, artisans produce various crafts, from ebru art to wood carving, ceramics to jewelry design. Mutlu Çatalkaya, who has been practicing and teaching ebru art in his workshop on the bridge for 12 years, continues his efforts to preserve the bridge’s historical and cultural value as the Chairman of the Irgandı Covered Bridge Management Board.

Photos by N-Life