Malabadi Bridge
Southeastern Anatolia Region
The Malabadi Bridge, also known as Karaman Bridge, is a monumental 12th-century stone arch bridge located near Malabadi village in Silvan, southeastern Turkey. Constructed between 1146 and 1154 during the Artuqid period, it was commissioned by Husam al-Din Timurtash, an important Oghuz Turk commander. The bridge spans the Batman River with a single pointed arch of 38.6 meters, making it one of the largest medieval stone arch bridges. Its total length is 150 meters and width 7 meters, with impressive height reaching 19 meters. The bridge’s roadway is angled relative to the river, featuring angular breaks on its approaches and small arches to allow floodwaters to pass. Notably, the western pier is adorned with two carved figures. The spandrels of the main arch contain small rooms historically used by travelers for rest. The bridge replaced an earlier structure that collapsed in 1144. It remained in continuous use until the 1950s, when a modern road bridge was built nearby. The Malabadi Bridge is a testament to medieval Islamic engineering and Artuqid architectural heritage, reflecting the cultural and historical significance of the region. It is currently on Turkey's Tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage inscription, highlighting its outstanding universal value.
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Tip: Visitors should aim to visit the Malabadi Bridge during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is advisable to check local access conditions as the bridge is a protected historic monument. While there is no entrance fee, guided tours may enhance understanding of its history and architecture. Booking tours in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Visitors should respect the site's preservation rules and avoid climbing on the structure to protect its integrity.
Interesting facts
- •The Malabadi Bridge features two carved human figures on its western pier, a rare decorative element for medieval bridges.
- •Its main arch is one of the largest pointed stone arches from the medieval period, spanning 38.6 meters.
- •The bridge’s spandrels contain small rooms historically used as resting places for weary travelers.
- •It remained the sole crossing over the Batman River in the region until the 1950s.
- •The bridge is named 'Malabadi' meaning 'house of Bad' in Kurdish, referring to Badh ibn Dustak, founder of the Marwanids.
History
The Malabadi Bridge was constructed between 1146 and 1154 AD during the Artuqid dynasty, commissioned by Husam al-Din Timurtash.
It replaced an earlier bridge built in 668/69 AD that collapsed in 1144.
Construction faced challenges including flood damage and changes in supervision, with the arch completed under Temurtash's successor Najm al-Din Alpi.
The bridge was restored in the late 12th century and again in the early 20th century.
It served as the only river crossing in the area until the 1950s when a new bridge was built upstream.
Place Guide
Main Arch and Roadway1146-1154
The central pointed arch spans 38.6 meters over the deepest part of the Batman River, with the roadway crossing at an angle creating distinctive angular breaks on the east and west approaches. This engineering feat showcases medieval Artuqid architectural skill.
Western Pier Carvings12th century
The western support pier is decorated with two carved human figures, one standing and one sitting, an unusual ornamental feature for bridges of this era, adding artistic and cultural value.
Spandrel Rooms12th century
Small rooms built into the spandrels of the main arch served as resting places for travelers crossing the bridge, reflecting the bridge’s role as a vital transit point and shelter.
