On Kemerli DDY Bridge

The On Kemerli DDY Bridge is located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye, within the borders of Batman Province. It is situated approximately 7 kilometers from the city center of Batman, spanning the Batman River. The structure was built to facilitate railway transportation of the State Railways to Batman via Diyarbakır. Also known as the "Zilek Bridge," it derives its name from its architectural design featuring ten arches. Although primarily designed for train transportation, the bridge is also arranged to allow pedestrian and livestock crossing.

Construction Process and History

Construction of the bridge began in 1939 and was completed in 1944. This period coincided with World War II, during which Türkiye did not participate in military combat but was significantly affected by the political and economic consequences of the war. Despite these challenges, the bridge was completed as part of the Republic of Turkey’s policy to improve its transportation infrastructure, thus integrating the province of Batman into the national railway network.

Architectural and Structural Evaluation

The On Kemerli DDY Bridge can be regarded as one of the examples of transportation and infrastructure investments from the early Republican period. The structure is notable for both its architectural features and the fact that it was built within the technical means of its time. The historical context in which the bridge was completed can be interpreted as a reflection of development policies maintained despite wartime conditions. In this respect, the bridge stands among the early infrastructure projects that highlight Turkey’s commitment to railway transportation.