"Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge, the Iranian architectural masterpiece

History of "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge

The construction of the bridge began in 1599 during the reign of Shah Abbas and was completed in 1602. This bridge is built on the river "Zayandeh-Rood". With the supervision and expense of Allah Verdi Khan, one of the famous generals of Shah Abbas the First Safavid, Armenians held special celebrations next to this bridge during the Safavid period. In 1598, Shah Abbas moved the capital of his empire from Qazvin to Isfahan. 5 out of 11 bridges were built during the Safavid era as a means of crossing the river.
During the bridge's 400-year history, the river dried up, but Si-o-Se-Pol found other purposes. It was a place for evening walks, public meetings, events and a viewing point for water sports. At the time of the formation and development of Isfahan, "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge has been one of the main axes of communication in the city and connect the four Abbasid gardens to the upper four gardens and Jolfa neighborhood. "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge is the longest bridge on "Zayandeh-Rood" river in Isfahan.
"Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge, as the name suggests, have 33 spans and main columns. But in the beginning, it had 40 openings, but some of them have gradually been abandoned. Other names of this bridge include "Jolfa Bridge" and "Abbasi Bridge". In the inner part of the bridge, there have been pictures and paintings that have disappeared over time. It is known that egg white was used in the mortar of "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge, and this made it stronger. Also, some investigations have shown that the bridge columns are designed to be placed in water, and the drying of the "Zayandeh-Rood" River water may damage its strength.

Rituals and ceremonies around the thirty-three bridges of Isfahan

In the history of "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge, it has been recorded that special rituals and ceremonies were held next to it, especially in the Safavid period. The ritual of Haj Shovian, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ, was once held by the Armenians of Isfahan in the month of January next to it. Another ritual that was held next to the "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge was the water-sprinkling ritual, which was held in the month of Tirgan and coincided with the Tirgan festival, and the people celebrated by splashing water on each other. "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge has been one of the most important places around which Nowruz celebration was held with great splendor. British artist Frederick Charles Richards points out that when you visit the "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge, memories of all the bridges, from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to those in London, come alive in your mind.


Architecture of "Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge

"Si-O-Se-Pol" bridge is the longest bridge among the bridges of Isfahan and the largest building on water in Iran, its total length is 297 meters and its width is 1375 meters, and it connects the upper and lower parts of Chaharbagh Street. This bridge is the longest bridge in Isfahan, which is about 2.2 times longer and 3.5 times wider than Khajo Bridge. Si-O-Se (in English means 33) in Persian means the number of arches that make up the first level of the bridge. The second level has a pedestrian walkway with walls that protect passengers from wind and falling into the water.
This bridge is made of yellow bricks and limestone, which are typical materials of Safavid era structures. The alcoves formed by the arches are perfect for sitting and chatting while enjoying the view of the city. One of the arches hosted a tea house for a while, but it was closed later. The arrangement of the openings in this bridge and its grandeur are very eye-catching. This bridge is a combination of engineering methods along with architectural arts.