Si-o-se-pol

The Allahverdi Khan Bridge (Persian: پل الله‌وردی خان‎), popularly known as Si-o-se-pol (Persian: سی‌وسه‌پل‎, lit. '[the] bridge of thirty-three [spans]'),[1] is the largest of the eleven historical bridges on the Zayanderud, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau, in Isfahan, Iran.[2]

Si-o-se-pol
Coordinates32.6444°N 51.6675°E / 32.6444; 51.6675
CrossesZayanderud
LocaleIsfahan, Iran
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge, double-deck
MaterialStone and brick
Total length297.76 metres (976.9 ft)
Width14.75 metres (48.4 ft)
Longest span5.60 metres (18.4 ft)
No. of spans33
History
Construction start1599
Construction end1602

The bridge was built in the early 17th century to serve as both a bridge and a dam.[3] It is a popular recreational gathering place, and is one of the most famous examples of Iran's Safavid architecture.

History

Si-o-se-pol was built between 1599 and 1602,[4] under the reign of Abbas I, the fifth Safavid king (shah) of Iran. It was constructed under the supervision of Allahverdi Khan Undiladze, the commander-in-chief of the armies, who was of Georgian origin, and was also named after him.[5] The bridge served particularly as a connection between the mansions of the elite, as well as a link to the city's vital Armenian neighborhood of New Julfa.[1]

Structure

The bridge has a total length of 297.76 metres (976.9 ft) and a total width of 14.75 metres (48.4 ft). It is a vaulted arch bridge consisting of two superimposed rows of 33 arches, from whence its popular name of Si-o-se-pol comes, and is made of stone. The longest span is about 5.60 metres (18.4 ft).[4] The interior of Si-o-se-pol was originally decorated with paintings, which were often described by travelers as erotic.[1]

There is a larger base plank at the start of the bridge, under which the Zayanderud flows, supporting a tea house, which is nowadays abandoned.

  • A 17th-century drawing of Si-o-se-pol by Jean Chardin.
  • Benches and tables next to Si-o-se-pol.
  • A view of the arches under Si-o-se-pol.
  • Si-o-se-pol in December 2015.
  • Si-o-se-pol's view of the Zayanderud.
  • The statue of Allahverdi Khan, next to the bridge.
  • Si-o-se-pol at night.
  • Si-o-se-pol's walkway at night.

Transportation
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References
  1. Babaie, Sussan; Haug, Robert (5 April 2012) [15 December 2007]. "Isfahan x. Monuments (5) Bridges". In Yarshater, Ehsan (ed.). Encyclopædia Iranica. 1. XIV. New York City: Bibliotheca Persica Press. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  2. Wagret, Paul (1977). Iran. Geneva: Nagel Publishers. p. 226. ISBN 2-8263-0026-1.
  3. "Drought poses no threat to Isfahan's Si-o-Se-Pol: official". Tehran Times. 25 December 2017.
  4. "Allahverdi Khan Bridge". Structurae. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  5. Savory, Roger (2007). Iran Under the Safavids. Cambridge University Press. p. 170. ISBN 0521042518.
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