Malabadi Bridge The Malabadi Bridge, situated in Diyarbakır, Turkey, stands as a significant historical and architectural treasure. Famous for its distinctive design and impressive scale, it ranks among the most important bridges in the area. Erected during the Seljuk period, this bridge crosses the Batman River and exemplifies advanced 12th-century engineering techniques. Constructed in 1147 under the orders of the Artuqid ruler Nur al-Din Arslan, the Malabadi Bridge features a single stone arch. Its standout characteristic is its enormous arch span, which is the largest of its kind globally among arch bridges. The arch reaches a height of 8 meters and stretches across a width of 15 meters. This remarkable feat of engineering was created to support the movement of both military forces and civilian caravans traversing the region, linking the Silvan and Midyat routes. Despite facing numerous floods over the centuries, the bridge has remained standing and still serves as a vital crossing over the Batman River. A distinctive feature of the Malabadi Bridge is its broad deck, which spans 7.5 meters in width and is designed to carry not only pedestrians but also horse-drawn vehicles and pack animals. This spacious deck was intended to handle the heavy traffic that once frequented this route. The bridge showcases an elaborate design that includes carved decorations and inscriptions embodying the cultural and artistic heritage of the Seljuk period. The inscriptions inscribed on the bridge offer important insights about its construction and the historical context of its creation. Additionally, the Malabadi Bridge is adorned with complex geometric patterns typical of Seljuk artistic style. Because of its historical importance and striking architectural design, the Malabadi Bridge has attracted admiration from both visitors and scholars. Acknowledging its cultural significance, the bridge was included on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Sites in 2017. Today, the Malabadi Bridge stands as a proud example of the advanced engineering expertise of the Seljuk Turks and continues to be a prominent landmark in Diyarbakır. It symbolizes the region’s rich historical heritage and remains a lasting element of Turkey’s cultural identity. For any questions or further information about the Malabadi Bridge, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.