Historical Irgandı Bridge: One of the World's 4 Bazaar Bridges and Art Guide

The History of Irgandı Bridge and its Unique Position in the World

The Historical Irgandı Bridge, one of the symbols of the commercial and artistic life of the Ottoman Empire, was built in 1442 by II. It was built by Ali, son of Architect Timurtaş, by Hoca Muslihiddin, son of Irgandılı Ali, one of the rich merchants during the reign of Murad. The bridge is placed on the steep Gökdere valley, which separates Osmangazi and Yıldırım districts, with a single-eyed masonry arch.

The bridge's place in the history of world architecture is extremely exceptional. There are only four bridges with bazaars (arasta bridges) with shops in the world: Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, Rialto Bridge in Venice, Osma Bridge in Lovca, Bulgaria, and Historical Irgandı Bridge in Bursa. Among these four buildings, it is the most elegant example representing Ottoman architecture and eastern caravan culture.

Destructions, Rebirth and Architectural Structure

During its history, the bridge suffered heavy destruction during the 1855 Great Bursa Earthquake and then as a result of dynamiting by the retreating occupying Greek forces during the 1922 War of Independence. The bridge, with only its legs standing for many years, was rebuilt in 2004 by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, faithful to the 19th century Ottoman archive drawings and traveler engravings.

• Arasta Architecture: Rows of yellow ocher wooden shops stretching on both sides of the bridge offer a traditional Ottoman bazaar atmosphere with arched roofs and small windows.
• Original Capacity: When it was built, there were 31 shops, 1 mosque, stables and warehouses for caravan horses on the bridge.
• Traditional Art Centers: Today, marbling, calligraphy, miniature, mother-of-pearl inlay, illumination, tile, wood carving and traditional Turkish archery craftsmen produce in nearly 30 shops on the bridge.

Where and How to Get to Irgandı Bridge?

The bridge connects Kayhan District of Osmangazi district and Kurtoğlu District of Yıldırım district via Gökdere.

• By walking: You can walk from Heykel Square towards Setbaşı and go down to the bottom of Setbaşı Bridge and reach the bridge in just 4 minutes.
• By Public Transportation: You can take the Yeşilyayla or Yıldırım minibuses departing from Heykel and get off at the Setbaşı stop and cross the bridge on the edge of the stream.
• Parking: You can leave your car in the car parks around Setbaşı or in the municipal open car park at the western entrance of the bridge.

Special Recommendations of Our Bursa Editor

• Live Art Workshops: The doors of the shops are open to visitors; Watch live master hands marbling on water or shaping mother-of-pearl inlay boxes and chat with the masters.
• Enjoying Coffee with a Stream View: Take a tea or coffee break at the boutique cafes overlooking the Gökdere canyon and the snowy Uludağ slopes at the eastern end of the bridge.
• Collectible Souvenirs: Instead of mass-produced tourist items, you can buy handmade calligraphy signs, marbling silk scarves and ceramic necklaces directly from the hands of the master.