[IRAN] Esfahan - Khaju Bridge & Si-O-Seh Pol

02:42 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

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Khaju Bridge is arguably the finest bridge in Esfahan. It was built by Shah Abbas II around 1650. It served as both a bridge and a dam, spanning across Zayandeh River. While Si-O-Seh Pol is the longest bridge on Zayandeh River. These two bridges are the most popular bridges among the eleven bridges across Zayandeh River.


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First, I visited Khaju Bridge.


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This bridge links the Khaju quarter on the north bank with the Zoroastrian quarter across Zayandeh River.


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It has two levels of terraced arcades, with the lower level containing locks regulating water flow.


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However, during our visit, the river bank seemed to have all dried up. It looked more like a field than a river.


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Apparently, a dam was built and the water no longer flows through here.


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Khaju Bridge has 23 arches and is 133 meters long and 12 meters wide.


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The pass way of the bridge is 7.5 meters wide, made of bricks and stones. The main central aisle was utilized by horses and carts.


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The vaulted paths on either side was used by pedestrian.


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At the center of the bridge, a pavilion was built, inside which the king would have once sat, admiring the view.


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After visiting Khaju Bridge, it was time for lunch.


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This time I ordered fried fish instead of the usual kebab.


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After lunch, I headed to Si-O-Seh Pol, the bridge of 33 spans.


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There were tea houses at either end of the bridge but nowadays it is abandoned.


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The total length of the bridge is 298 meter long. It was built by Allahverdi Khan, chancellor of Shah Abbas I.


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I tried to take photo of the whole length of the bridge but couldn’t since my camera doesn’t have a wide lens.


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Well, the water also no longer flows through here due to the dam.


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Both of these bridges are landmarks of Esfahan and it's worth a visit.


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Well, that’s all about the bridges.

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