Hacu Bridge continues to be a favorite of visitors despite the non-flowing river
It stands out as one of the most visited places in the country, despite the fact that it is located on the centuries-old Hacu Bridge in Isfahan, one of the historical cities of Iran, and the river does not flow for various reasons.
One of the historical bridges over the Zayende River Hacu Bridge, It was built on the foundations of a bridge from the Timurid period, during the reign of Safavid Ruler Shah Abbas II. The bridge, which was among the most beautiful bridges in the world at the time it was built, is 133 meters long and built on 23 arches, and its width is 12 meters.
While the stones longer than 2 meters used in the arch piers place the bridge on a solid foundation, the dome-style arch built on top of the piers creates an aesthetic integrity. When looking from one end to the other under the bridge, the crescent-shaped appearance of the arches creates a feeling of infinity.
The bridge was designed not only for crossings but also to function as a dam. When the covers at the bottom are closed, the area immediately behind the bridge fills with water. Open sources state that the surrounding vineyards and gardens were irrigated with this water, whose level rose in ancient times.
The most distinctive feature that distinguishes Hacu Bridge from other historical bridges in its immediate vicinity is the protruding mansion-like structure in the middle. These areas, located on both sides of the bridge and each creating a 180-degree viewing angle, look as they did in the first days. There are also remains of a stone seat from that period in this area, where the Shahs of Iran sat and watched the view. IT WAS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR POETS
The information that the bridge, where the unique view of sunrise and sunset can be watched, is a source of inspiration for the poets of Isfahan is conveyed to visitors by every tourist guide. The guides confirm this information by reading excerpts from the poets‘ poems. Famous poet Saib Tabrizi’s long poem describing one of the celebration days next to the bridge offers clues about the social life of the period.
Hacu Bridge, which was built in 1650 to facilitate the passage through the flowing Zayende River, now resembles a recreation area. The parks, walking and cycling paths around the river serve as areas for visitors to rest, drink tea and have a picnic.
It is almost impossible to find a place to sit near the bridge, which gets crowded as the evening approaches. Groups of families or friends who spread their exhibitions on appropriate places and have picnics, tea sellers who constantly serve tea, and young people who make music color the atmosphere. Those who cannot find a place by the river sit in the places they find in the middle of the arches. The bridge lighting, which is turned on right after the wonderful view of the sunset, adds a special beauty to the historical structure.
While the surroundings are watched from the bridge during the day, those sitting around begin to watch the beauty of the bridge as darkness falls. Due to the drought in recent years, the construction of dams and the transportation of some of the river’s water to other states as drinking water, the Zayende River has lost its former vitality. Since the water flowing from the dams, whose covers are opened twice a year, is mostly used for irrigation, the river flows like a stream, albeit for a short time. Problems arose in the bridge arches due to being deprived of water for a long time. Failure to take necessary precautions for the bridge, where cracks are seen in places, seems to endanger the future of the bridge in the long term. Especially in summer, the wide bed of the river resembles a dry desert. The periods when the river reaches water with the opening of the dams are like holidays for the people of Isfahan. While a significant increase in the number of visitors is observed during this period, the enthusiasm of young people performing live music on the bridge also increases.
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The Hacu Bridge in Isfahan, Iran, is a popular historical site despite the fact that the river it crosses does not flow for various reasons. The bridge, built on the foundations of a bridge from the Timurid period, is 133 meters long and built on 23 arches, with a width of 12 meters. The bridge was designed not only for crossings but also to function as a dam, with water filling the area behind the bridge when the covers at the bottom are closed.
One of the most distinctive features of the Hacu Bridge is the protruding mansion-like structure in the middle, which offers a unique viewing experience. The bridge also served as a source of inspiration for poets, providing a picturesque backdrop for their creativity.
Today, the bridge and its surroundings serve as a recreational area, with parks, walking and cycling paths, and picnic areas. As the evening approaches, the bridge becomes crowded with visitors, and the atmosphere is colored by families, friends, and tea sellers. The bridge lighting, turned on after sunset, adds a special beauty to the historical structure.
However, due to drought and water transportation to other states, the Zayende River has lost its former vitality, and the bridge has suffered damage. The periods when the river reaches water with the opening of dams are like holidays for the people of Isfahan, with an increase in visitors and live music performances on the bridge.
Overall, the Hacu Bridge continues to be a favorite destination for visitors, despite the challenges it faces due to the non-flowing river and the associated problems.
