Khaju Bridge Oldest Bridge of Isfahan, Iran
Iran, has huge piece of history like other countries. But the tourist spot and hot destinations are also gaining good attention. To dig about their famous spots and places,
Khajoo Bridge or
Khaju Bridge comes under the list. The Khaju Bridge is very famous bridge in Iran, due to its pleasing construction idea. It is one of the oldest bridge in Isfahan, Iran.
After 17th Century, travelers visiting Iran and tourist admiration has increased.
Shah Abbas II, built new bridge on foundation of old bridge which was constructed in 1650 or so. The bridge serves as a link between Zoroastrian quarters and north banks, through the river
Zayandeh River. The bridge is constructed with multi-purpose, the bridge is not only used for transportation but also as weir. The primary function of this bridge was abode for public meeting or as a tea-house.
A great bridge structure from an architectural view. Today, the Khaju Bridge is known for its
Persian architecture. The Bridge was initially designed with artistic painting and tile-work. Inside the bridge, a pavilion sort existed, on which the ‘Shah Abbas’ would sit and admire the view. Today only miscellanies of the king chair and stone seat exist.
The Khaju Bridge is noted as one of the finest construction and instance of Persian architecture. The Bridge is 132-meters long. The bridge also acts as dam, hence has sluice gate.it provides irrigation water to surrounding areas, through series of water channels. The sluice gates helps a lot to regulate the flow of water. On west side of bridge there are steps, in which water pours, the spot is more popularly used for social events.
The 132-meter long and 20-meter wide in size, the Khaju Bridge has interesting structure. Unlike other Bridge this Khaju Bridge has 23-arches, 26 and 21 smaller and large inlets. The bridge is made up of bricks and stones. The stones used in construction of this bridge is 2-meter long. It has 20-meter distance between ceiling base and each channels.This bridge is not constructed with support of cables or so, it is arch bridge. The structure is in semi-circular form. The bridge is said a goal that connect Hassan Abad and area of Khaju, with Takht’e Foolad, and a road to the ‘Shiraz’.
In 17th Century, the upper level of bridge was used for horse-carts and pedestrians. The Octagonal Pavilions, at centre is used for art Gallery and Teahouse. While the most lower level is also used as Pedestrian way or just a shady place to rest. In year, 2008 the Khaju bridge was termed as world’s ‘
multifunctional bridge’. It was in that year, it made entry in list of ‘Most amazing bridges of world’.
As per the inscriptions, the bridge was repaired in year 1873. The Bridge is 350-years old, and still working. Instead of using their, proper trained archaeologist and their tools, authorities settled to use conventional method. This resulted into damage of few ancient Iranian sites. The project is still under improvement category. People hope that on improvement the history integrity is not damaged, the structural and historical essence of Khaju Bridge is maintained like before.