SAKARYA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE: HISTORIC SANGARIOS BRIDGE WAS RESTORED
The Historic Sangarios Bridge, a testament to Sakarya's cultural heritage, was reopened on Friday, July 31, following the completion of restoration works. Representatives of public institutions, company officials, and Highways personnel attended the ceremony, which was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Director General of Highways Ahmet Gülşen.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Uraloğlu stated that the bridge, known by its ancient name as Sangarios, was built between A.D. 558 and 562 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and noted that the structure had been reopened to the public following the completion of restoration works.
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Protecting Our Cultural Heritage is our Shared Responsibility
Stating that societies that fail to preserve their cultural values and heritage cannot build a sound future, Uraloğlu emphasized that the civilizations that have left their mark on these lands, particularly the Hittites, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans, constitute a shared heritage. He underlined the importance of preserving these historic structures, noting that restoration works not only safeguard the historical heritage but also enable these structures to contribute to tourism, culture, and social life.
Restoration of 528 Historic Bridges was Completed
Uraloğlu remarked that they had restored historic bridges at numerous locations across Türkiye to date, and explained that the number of historic bridges restored and preserved as part of the cultural heritage had reached 528, while restoration works of 40 historic bridges were ongoing.
The Sangarios Bridge is one of the Most Magnificent Structures of the Byzantine Period
Providing information about the Historic Sangarios Bridge which was inagurated, Uraloğlu state that The Sangarios Bridge located on The Çark Stream (The Melas Stream) which drains the waters of Lake Sapanca into the Sakarya River, is one of the most magnificent structures in Anatolia of the Byzantine Period. He noted that the bridge which is 370 meters long, approximately 10 meters wide and has 12 arche bridges is a magnificent structure built entirely of limestone and was constructed by Emperor Justinian to facilitate transportation between Istanbul and the eastern provinces.
The Minister Uraloğlu is going on his words: “We meticulously restored the stone piers and arches of the bridge while preserving their original character. Together with the remains of the entrance gate on its western side, as well as historic visitor areas such as the inn, bathhouse and cistern structures, and a modern lighting system in keeping with the bridge's historic identity, we have given the bridge both an aesthetic and functional character. We have revitalized it as a symbol of our city, giving its tourism and cultural value a new lease of life."
Türkiye is one of the Countries Riches in Historic Bridges
Speaking at the opening ceremony Director General of Highway Ahmet Gülşen remarked that Türkiye is one of the countries richest in historic bridges dating back to various civilizations throughout history. Stating that the historic Sangarios Bridge is one of the important examples of such structures, gülşen noted, “A Railway line was included to the eastern side of bridge which is 370 meters long and 10 meters wide in the late 19th ceuntry. This structure which has stood for 1,500 years, was reopened as a important cultural value connecting the past and future. It has strenghened Sakarya's historic identity and tourism potential" he stated.
We Will Remain Resolute in Entrusting Humanity's Common Heritage to Future Generations
Gülşen stated that as the General Directorate of Highways, they regard the preservation, maintenance, repair and transmission to future generations of the historic bridges under their responsibility not merely as an obligation imposed by legislation, but as a natural requirement of their institutional responsibility towards the country's cultural heritage.
Gülşen stated that, to date, numerous historic bridges across the country had been restored, including 528 bridges in Türkiye and three abroad, “After that we will resolutely continue to protect, preserve and pass on humanity's common heritage to future generations with the same understanding and sensibility." He remarked.
