Misis Bridge

Misis Bridge is a Roman bridge in Adana Province, Turkey. (Misis is the popular name of Yakapınar town, which is now included in Greater Adana)

Misis Bridge
Misis Bridge
Location of the Misis Bridge
Misis Bridge, c.1870

Geography

The bridge is over Ceyhan River (Pyramus of antiquity) between the Yakapınar (Mopsuestia of antiquity) and Geçitli at 36°57′N 35°38′E . Presently it is on the road which connects the main highway D.400 to Mediterranean Sea coast. The distance to Adana is 25 kilometres (16 mi).

History

In the Middle Ages, Mopsuestia was a big city and the bridge was built on one of the most active trade roads to east. It was commissioned by the Roman emperor Flavius Julius Constantius (better known as Constantius II) in the fourth century. It was restored by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the sixth century.[1] It was again renovated in 743 and 840.[2] The bridge suffered damage in the 1998 Adana–Ceyhan earthquake. But it was restored.

Details

The building material is face stone. There are 9 arches. After the last restoration following the earthquake it is still in use.

Trivia

According to a popular legend, Luqman who had discovered the elixir of life dropped the receipt and the herbs from Misis Bridge.[3]

References
  1. Kent haber (in Turkish) Archived 2012-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
  2. First Encyclopaedia of Islam: 1913–1936. BRILL. 1993. pp. 346–. ISBN 90-04-09796-1.
  3. Güzel Sanatlar (in Turkish)
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