Ten Arches Bridge

The Ten Arched Bridge, also known as the Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü), is one of the most iconic historical landmarks of Diyarbakır in Turkey. This ancient bridge spanning the mighty Tigris (Dicle) River is one of the oldest in the world. It got its poetic name from its ten majestic arches, which, like eyes, offer travelers picturesque views of the river valley from both sides.

The bridge is built entirely from local black basalt stone, giving it a rugged and monumental appearance. Its length is about 178 meters, and its width varies from 5.6 to almost 8 meters. The design is impressive for its strength and harmony, serving as an outstanding example of medieval engineering. It is not just a crossing, but a true architectural monument that served as an important trade and transport artery for centuries.

On the south side of the bridge, a tablet with an inscription in Kufic script has been preserved, which, according to one version, immortalizes the name of the architect and the date of construction — 1065-1067. Attentive visitors may also notice interesting details, such as a lion bas-relief and traces of other stone figures that decorated the structure in the past.

Today, the Ten Arched Bridge is not only a historical monument but also a popular spot for walks among locals and tourists. Here you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, admire the sunset, and touch the centuries-old history of this amazing region. After restoration, the bridge became pedestrian-only, allowing you to fully appreciate its beauty and the views it offers.

Since the Ten Arched Bridge is a public historical monument, it has no specific administration, official website, or contact number. Reaching it is easy: the bridge is located on the Tigris River, about 3 kilometers south of the center of Diyarbakır, and can be reached by taxi, city bus, or on foot.

Visiting the Ten Arched Bridge is, above all, an opportunity to enjoy picturesque views of the Tigris River, which local legends call the "Road to Allah." It is an ideal place for leisurely walks and photo shoots, especially at sunset when the sun's rays paint the ancient stonework in warm tones. One of the bridge's most interesting features is the cozy seating areas: after a recent modernization, two of the ten spans were filled in, and tables with Eastern-style sofas were installed in their place, where you can relax while contemplating the surrounding landscape.

A trip to the bridge is a short journey outside the city that allows you to see other iconic sites. On the way to the bridge, you get a view of the famous Diyarbakır Fortress, which is called the "Turkish Great Wall of China" because of its scale. Right next to the bridge are the picturesque Hevsel Gardens (Hevsel Bahçeleri), which, together with the ancient structure, create an impressive natural and historical ensemble listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A walk through the gardens, which have supplied the city with food and water for millennia, will be a great addition to your visit to the bridge.

Getting to the Ten Arched Bridge is quite simple, as it is one of the key attractions on the outskirts of Diyarbakır. The bridge is located approximately 3 kilometers south of the city's historical center, beyond its famous walls. The most convenient and fastest way is a taxi ride, which takes no more than 10–15 minutes from the central areas and will take you directly to your destination.

For a more budget-friendly trip, you can use public transport. Many city buses (for example, routes A2, A3, A4, and others) go towards the university campus, which is in the same direction. You will need to get off at one of the stops closest to the Tigris River, such as "Tanoğlu," from where it is just a few minutes' walk to the bridge. A bus ride is also a great opportunity to see the non-tourist areas of the city.

The path to the bridge is a fascinating journey in itself. The road from the center of Diyarbakır passes by the majestic city walls and the fortress, allowing you to appreciate their scale. Once at the destination, you will find yourself in the picturesque Tigris River valley, next to which the famous Hevsel Gardens stretch out. Since the bridge is now pedestrian-only, you will have plenty of time for a leisurely stroll, photos, and a break in one of the nearby tea houses.

The history of the Ten Arched Bridge is rooted in antiquity, making it one of the oldest functioning bridges in the world. According to some sources, the first crossing at this site was built as early as 515 AD, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. However, due to its strategic position in the region, that bridge was eventually destroyed. More than two centuries later, in 742–743, it was restored by order of the Umayyad caliph, emphasizing its importance for controlling the crossing over the Tigris River.

The bridge acquired its modern appearance, which still fascinates travelers today, in 1065–1067. During this period, under the Marwanid dynasty, ruler Nizamuddin Nasr commissioned a major reconstruction by the architect Sankaroglu Ubeydolgu Yusuf. This date and the architect's name are immortalized in a Kufic inscription carved on a stone tablet on the south side of the structure, serving as irrefutable historical evidence. Throughout its long history, the bridge was repeatedly damaged during sieges but was restored every time.

For many centuries, the Ten Arched Bridge performed not only a transport function but also a crucial commercial function. It was a key link on trade routes connecting Diyarbakır with other regions, and caravans passed through it in a continuous stream, transporting goods, people, and livestock. Recognition of its outstanding historical and architectural value came with the inclusion of the Ten Arched Bridge, along with the Diyarbakır Fortress and the Hevsel Gardens, in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. This event solidified its status as one of the most important monuments not only in Turkey but in the entire world.

Seeing the Ten Arched Bridge itself will not take much of your time. For a quick walk to cross the bridge, take a few photos, and admire the views of the Tigris River, 30–40 minutes will be enough. However, to truly feel the atmosphere of this historical site, it is worth allocating about 1–2 hours. This will allow you to take a leisurely stroll, examine the details of the ancient masonry, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns around.

Your visit time may increase significantly if you decide to relax in one of the cozy cafes or tea houses located right on or near the bridge. Many visitors come here specifically towards evening to catch a picturesque sunset over the river — this turns an ordinary walk into an unforgettable spectacle. Taking into account a break for a cup of Turkish tea and waiting for the beautiful light for photography, the visit can easily take 2–3 hours.

If you are planning a more comprehensive excursion, a visit to the Ten Arched Bridge is conveniently combined with a walk through the adjacent Hevsel Gardens, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the bridge. Exploring these fertile gardens stretching along the river can take another hour or two. Thus, an entire trip to the southern outskirts of Diyarbakır, including the bridge and gardens, can turn into a fascinating half-day journey.

The Ten Arched Bridge is a public asset and an open historical monument, so it is available to visit 24/7 and year-round. You do not need to buy tickets or book a time in advance to walk across the bridge — admission is completely free. You can come here at any time convenient for you to enjoy the views of the Tigris River and the ancient architecture.

Although the bridge is open constantly, it is worth considering weather conditions and the time of day for a more comfortable visit. The bridge is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the soft light creates ideal conditions for photography. Since it is a popular place for walks, it can be quite crowded on weekends and holidays. No special permits are required for the visit, but it is always useful to check with local tourist offices before the trip to see if any temporary events or restoration work are being held on the bridge or in the adjacent area.

Visiting the Ten Arched Bridge is just the starting point for exploring the rich history of Diyarbakır. To fully feel the spirit of this ancient city, it is worth spending time in its surroundings. A walk through neighboring attractions will allow you to form a complete picture of the region's cultural and architectural heritage, which has been shaped over millennia.

Many iconic sites are a short distance from the bridge, making exploration convenient and exciting. From ancient mansions to the monumental towers of the fortress wall, each location tells its own unique story. Below is a list of nearby attractions that will help enrich your journey.