Bridges of Şırnak province

The aim of this thesis is to critically reassess existing information on historical bridges within the borders of Şırnak Province and to revise it with new data based on fieldwork. This thesis adopted a comprehensive methodology to systematically examine the architectural and historical characteristics of historical bridges within the province of Şırnak. The study began with a detailed review of existing literature on the subject. Academic publications, archival documents, and interdisciplinary sources were examined to establish a foundational knowledge of the bridges' periodic characteristics. Subsequently, as part of the fieldwork, all accessible bridges were visited on-site, and photogrammetric documentation, architectural drawings, and measurements were conducted. The collected data was interpreted in light of comparative architectural assessments, revealing similarities and differences with other regional bridges constructed during the same period, thus reassessing the architectural identity of Şırnak bridges on a scientific basis. This multi-stage method integrates both theoretical knowledge and concrete fieldwork to provide a holistic perspective on the subject. Şırnak Province boasts a rich cultural heritage, particularly distinguished by the historic bridges from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, located on the Tigris River and its tributaries. These bridges were constructed in conjunction with the region's geography and trade routes, reflecting the engineering and architectural skills of the period. Cut stone and rubble fill materials were generally used in the construction of historic bridges in Şırnak Province, reflecting the architectural techniques of the period and the need to adapt to the region's geographical conditions. In terms of arch forms, pointed and rounded arches were prominent in Seljuk-era bridges, while simpler and more functional designs were preferred in the Ottoman Period. In addition to facilitating river crossings, these bridges were built on routes where they could serve as local crossing points. Therefore, they were both an important part of the transportation network and a testament to the economic strength of the period. Thesis research revealed that there are 11 historic bridges in Şırnak Province dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The Jafes Bridge, a Seljuk-era bridge, has five arches and pointed arches, with only its abutments and central arch surviving; it is situated on a sloped route. The Jafes Bridge remains within the borders of Syria today. The Desht Bridge, dating from the same period, has six arches and round arches, but has largely lost its original structure due to restoration work. In addition to this bridge, which is situated on a gently sloping road, the Saklan Bridge, also built in the 12th century, has four arches, and its arch type is unknown; only the abutments remain today. The Stone Bridge of Cem'a (Birlik) Village has a single arch and a sloped road. However, the arch section of this bridge has completely collapsed, and only the abutments on both sides remain. The Hisar Bridge in Bozalan Village, thought to date from the Seljuk period in the Cizre district, was found to have two arches following fieldwork. The Meydan Bridge, a structure reflecting 16th- and 17th-century Ottoman architectural characteristics, has also lost much of its original character due to flooding. Structural studies reveal that the round stone piers remain intact, but the superstructure elements have been destroyed, and these sections have been rebuilt by local residents for functional purposes. Another Ottoman-era bridge, the Bürücek Bridge (16th century), is believed to have had five or eight arches, and its arch type is unclear; only the piers survive. The Kasrik and Pavan Bridges, dating from the same century, have three arches. Unfortunately, the Pavan Bridge was submerged due to the dam project. Another bridge submerged by the dam is the White Bridge. The White Bridge is an Ottoman work and has a single arch. The Görümlü Bridge, built in the 17th century, has a single arch and has not retained its original structure due to restorations. Although these 11 bridges reflect the architectural features of their time, they have been extensively damaged or lost due to restorations, natural conditions, and human activities. Dam projects, in particular, have led to the flooding of historical heritage, causing irreversible losses. Keywords: Bridge Architecture, Ottoman Bridges, Seljuk Bridges, Anatolian Bridges, Byzantine Bridges, Bridges of Şırnak Province, Şırnak