Kesik Bridge

Kesik Köprü is a historical stone bridge located southwest of the city center of Sivas, spanning the Kızılırmak River. The bridge extends in a north-south direction, connecting the Karşıyaka Neighborhood with the central area of Sivas. Although no construction inscription has been found, various sources indicate that the bridge dates back to the Seljuk period.

Kesik Köprü (Visit Sivas)

Architectural Features

Kesik Köprü consists of two separate sections. The first section has 17 arches, while the second has 2 arches, making a total of 19 arches. These arches are semicircular and pointed in shape. The distance between the two sections is approximately 10 meters. Although water does not flow beneath the second section, it remains in use as a continuation of the first bridge.

The bridge is 326.35 meters long and 4.95 meters wide. The largest arch span measures 7.90 meters. Constructed entirely of cut stone, the arch piers on the upstream side are supported by triangular protrusions known as selyaran. There are no buttresses on the downstream side. The cornice line is completed with double rows of cut stone blocks forming parapets. The central arches are higher and slope downward toward the sides, gradually merging with the road level.

Kesik Köprü (Sivas Municipality)

History and Restorations

Although no inscription detailing the construction of the bridge has been found, its architectural features and historical sources suggest it dates to the Seljuk period. The structure underwent extensive restoration during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz in 1292 AH (1875 CE). During this restoration, some stones from the Şahna Kümbeti in Sivas, which collapsed in the early 20th century, were reused in the bridge.

By the present day, various structural deformations have occurred in the bridge. These include damage to the foundation, selyaran supports, arch system, deck, and parapet stones. Following these observations, restoration work began in 2010. In 2012, after the project received approval from the Sivas Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, implementation commenced. Between 2012 and 2013, the bridge’s foundations were reinforced with stone revetments to protect against the erosive effects of the Kızılırmak River.

During the restoration process, a decision was made to close the bridge to vehicular traffic in order to address all structural damages. During this period, the connection between Karşıyaka Neighborhood and the city center was maintained via Esenyurt. After the restoration was completed, the bridge was reopened to public access, but passage by heavy vehicles remains prohibited.

Current Usage

The historical Kesik Köprü is currently closed to vehicular traffic and open only to pedestrian use. As one of the city’s historical structures, it is preserved and holds cultural heritage significance.

Kesik Köprü (T.C. Culture Portal)

Kesik Köprü is one of the multi-arched stone bridges over the Kızılırmak River whose exact construction date remains unknown but is attributed to the Seljuk period. Historical records of repairs and technical interventions demonstrate that the structure remained in use for many centuries. Its 19-arch design, stone reinforcement techniques, and closure to vehicular traffic have contributed to both its physical preservation and the reorganization of its usage. In its current state, the structure is protected and accessible to pedestrians. The processes surrounding Kesik Köprü serve as a practical example of applied cultural heritage conservation.