Tas Bridge Taşköprü, once called Ponte Sarus, is an ancient Roman bridge spanning the Seyhan River in Adana, Turkey. It is thought to have been built in the early 2nd century AD and played a vital role as a trade link connecting the Mediterranean Sea with Anatolia and Persia. Additionally, the bridge was an important strategic military location in ancient times. Throughout its long history, the bridge has been repaired and modified by various civilizations. Historical records mention that the Hittite king Hattusili I built a bridge in Adana during a military expedition to Syria. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether this bridge is the same one currently spanning the Seyhan River. The Taşköprü bridge was open to vehicle traffic until 2007, but it now serves exclusively for pedestrian use during social gatherings. Despite its ancient origins, the bridge has endured through centuries and remains a prominent symbol of the area. Some scholars believe that the present-day bridge in Adana was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled between 117 and 138 AD. This theory is supported by a journal article authored by a French diplomat who visited Adana in 1852-1853. Other historical sources credit the bridge’s construction to a Roman architect named Auxentius. This claim comes from a Greek inscription found on an altar that once belonged to Adana’s Greek Church and is currently preserved at the Adana Archaeological Museum. However, further investigations indicate that this inscription might relate to the installation of waterwheels to transport water from nearby springs, rather than the bridge’s construction. The 12-line inscription is carved on a stone slab measuring 122 cm in height, 93 cm in width, and 12 cm in thickness. Over the course of its long history, the bridge has been the focus of several restoration efforts. During the Umayyad era in 742, it underwent repairs and was renamed Jisr al-Walid in honor of the reigning caliph. Later, Caliph Al Mu'tasim also played a role in its maintenance. Although no detailed records exist of later restorations, the bridge was refurbished once more in the 17th century. Today, the bridge measures 310 meters (1000 feet), which is shorter than the 550 feet length noted by the Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi during his journey. It features 21 arches in total, with 15 main arches supporting the roadway above the river and six smaller relieving arches designed to reduce structural stress. In 2007, the bridge was closed to motor vehicles and repurposed exclusively for social and cultural activities. Among its decorative elements, you can find a lion relief carved on the north side of the 11th arch as well as various designs featuring the star-and-crescent motif. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply contact us via WhatsApp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.