Çeşnigir Bridge is located on the Kızılırmak River in the Köprüköy locality, Keskin district of Kırıkkale province, in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye.
Çeşnigir Bridge (TR Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
History
The exact construction date of Çeşnigir Bridge is not known. However, based on its architectural features and existing sources, it is estimated to have been built in the 13th century during the Seljuk Period. It is also stated that a Seljuk caravanserai was located near the bridge, but no remnants of this caravanserai have survived to the present day. Sources state that Timur's army used this bridge during the Battle of Ankara, which took place in 1402. It is stated that the bridge was rebuilt by Mimar Sinan during the Egyptian Campaign of Ottoman Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim.
Architectural Features
Çeşnigir Bridge is 110 meters long and 6 meters wide. The structure was built on solid foundations on the rocky terrain of the region. A distinct slope is present in the middle section of the bridge to ensure it is securely seated on the bed of the Kızılırmak River.
The bridge has a central span of 18.60 meters. There are a total of 12 arches on the structure. 3 of these are located in the upper section of the bridge and are used to facilitate water flow and reduce the structure's weight in case of rising water levels. The other 9 arches are located in the lower section.
Çeşnigir Bridge.(TR Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Origin of the Name
The word “Çeşnigir” is a title from the Ottoman period. It has two different meanings. The first defines an official working in the Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Âmire) who controlled the purity of minted gold and silver coins. The second is derived from the combination of the words “çaşni” (taste, flavor) and “gir” (holder, taker) and refers to the person responsible for the safety of the Sultan's food by tasting dishes in the Ottoman palace kitchen. The exact reason why the bridge was named after this title is unknown.
Route and Changes
Çeşnigir Bridge, which has been one of the important transportation routes throughout its history, was once located on the Ankara-Bala-Kaman-Kırşehir highway route. However, with the commissioning of the Kapulukaya Dam, some of the bridge's piers were submerged by the dam waters.
Restoration and Current Status
Çeşnigir Bridge remained idle for a long time. However, the structure was saved from collapse through restoration works initiated by the 4th Regional Directorate of Highways. As a result of comprehensive projects carried out by the Kırıkkale Governorship, the bridge and its surroundings have been transformed into a recreational area, preserving their historical texture.
Çeşnigir Canyon and Tourism
The area where the bridge is located is known as Çeşnigir Canyon and was opened to tourism through works carried out by the Kırıkkale Governorship in 2019–2020. The region offers various touristic and recreational facilities such as walking paths, viewing terraces, boat tours, camping areas, and cycling tracks. Access to the canyon is possible by car; additionally, the viewing terrace can be reached via walking trails starting from Çeşnigir Bridge.
Transportation
From Ankara, the area can be reached via the Bala district, a distance of 113 kilometers. From Kırıkkale city center, access to the area is provided via two different routes: 34 kilometers via Karakeçili and 59 kilometers via Keskin.
