History and archaeology / Bridge
Bendimahi Bridge
Muradiye, Van
A two-colored stone bridge dated to the late 13th century over the Bendimahi Çayı on the old Erciş–Tabriz caravan road; on the migration route of the pearl mullet.
Safety warning
Its story
The bridge was built to cross the Bendimahi Çayı (Bendimahi Stream) on the old Erciş–Tabriz caravan road. Although it has no inscription, it is accepted as having been commissioned by the Ilkhanid rulers in the late 13th century. Two-colored fine cut-stone work can be seen on its arches and walls; in later repairs, rubble-stone walls were built in between. Today it is in a quiet setting, away from the main road and settlements. The Bendimahi Çayı, the river with the largest flow into Lake Van, is the spawning ground of the pearl mullet (inci kefali) that lives in the lake's soda water; during the spawning season, the fish can be seen swimming upstream against the current. The reed beds where the stream flows into the lake are also an important protected area for waterbirds.
Key facts
- Period
- Late 13th century (Ilkhanid)
- Admission
- Free
- Getting there
- Southwest of Muradiye, Van–Erciş connection
- Visit duration
- 30 minutes
Trip purpose
- Free
- Photography
- Quiet
Location
38.94333, 43.68323
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437608/bend-i-mahi-koprusu.html | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendimahi_Çayı | https://van.ktb.gov.tr/TR-437066/korunan-alanlar.html | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21696125 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1056379961