Adana’s historic bridge graffitied

ADANA – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

A historic bridge in the southern province of Adana, which was built in 384 by Emperor Hadrian in the Roman era, has been graffitied by unidentified people. 

The bridge, literally translated to “stone bridge,” is considered one of the oldest bridges in the world. 

A landmark of Adana, the 1,632-year bridge is situated over the Seyhan River and was restored in 2006 by the General Directorate of Highways. Currently, the bridge is banned to vehicles and only open to bicycles and pedestrians as well as social and cultural events. 

Among the colored graffiti on the inner and outer walls are verses from the Koran.

The bridge, which originally has 21 arches, has now 14 arches, as seven of its arches sunk underground during the rehabilitation of the Seyhan River. 

The 8.7-meter-wide and 291-meter-long bridge is still active. It was a key link in ancient trade routes from the Mediterranean Sea to Anatolia and Persia. Among the names used for the bridge during its history are the Saros Bridge, the al-Walid Bridge and Taşköprü.