Today, we want to pack our bags for an Iranian tour and head to the ever-beautiful and vibrant city of Isfahan. We will take a tour of the city and its beautiful corners, and then visit one of its most famous attractions, the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan. This bridge is one of the historical bridges of this city, located on the Zayanderud River, east of the Si-o-se-pol Bridge. This very beautiful bridge of the people of Isfahan is full of stories whose narrators have walked on it for centuries. Stories from the Safavid era until now and even later! Today, we want to review and introduce everything about the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, so stay with us at Eligasht.
Book flights from London to Tehran and Tehran to London with Eligasht UK:
When was the Khaju Bridge of Isfahan built?
Regarding the history and time of construction of the Khaju Bridge, according to historical sources that still exist, this bridge was built in 1060 AH (approximately 1650 CE) and was commissioned by Shah Abbas II of the Safavid dynasty. Before this bridge was built, there was another bridge in the same part of Isfahan called Hasan Beyg Bridge. By order of Shah Abbas, this bridge was destroyed and a new bridge was built in place of the old one, which today has a global historical richness and fame!
One point that may exist about the Khaju Bridge, which many are not aware of, is that this bridge has several other names. Some of these names are: Baba Rokn al-Din Bridge and Shah Bridge. The only reason why people called the Khaju Bridge Baba Rokn al-Din was that the bridge was on their way to reach the tomb of Baba Rokn al-Din and Takht-e Foulad, and that is why they gave the bridge this name.
Regarding the mystery of the names by which this historical bridge is known, it should also be added that the original name of this bridge was initially Biglarbeygi Bridge. The reason why the current name of this bridge is Khaju is because the location of the bridge is in the Khaju neighborhood. This historical bridge has a width of 12 meters and a length of 133 meters. It also has 23 pillars.
When was the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan built?
In the middle of this bridge, by the order of Shah Abbas II, a special building was built for him and the Safavid royal family, which is now known as Biglarbeygi.
This building, which still exists today, is one of the prominent buildings in Isfahan, which has very beautiful and distinctive decorations. For example, the arches of this building have very beautiful and special paintings and decorations that amaze every beholder.
The reason for the distinction of the Khaju Bridge from other historical bridges in this city is that this bridge has very beautiful and special decorations and tiling, which do not exist in other bridges built in this city.
Many researchers and historians have said about the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan that Shah Abbas Safavi built this bridge to connect the two famous neighborhoods of Isfahan, Hasan Abad Gate and Khaju, with the road to Shiraz and Takht-e Foulad, which is the name of a famous cemetery in Isfahan.
Poets have said about the Khaju Bridge
Khajoo Bridge, since it has been a famous and beautiful bridge from the beginning until now, many poets and literary figures of Isfahan have mentioned it in their poems and works. Usually, these poets have praised this historical monument a lot and have praised its beauty.
One of the most famous poems written in praise of the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan is a piece written by the famous poet of our country, Saeb Tabrizi. The subject of this poem, which is actually a long ode, is about one of the days when a celebration was held on this bridge and it was decorated with lights.
Apart from poets and scribes, travelers and tourists who have come to the city of Isfahan in different historical periods have spoken greatly of the beauty and magnificence of the Khaju Bridge, and have introduced this bridge as one of the most successful architectural works specific to Iran as well as the Islamic style.
The famous traveler Chardin and Professor Pope have said about this bridge that; Khaju Bridge is one of the most interesting Persian bridges that has been built and exists.
In the construction of the Khaju Bridge, according to foreigners who have visited it; there is a rhythm of nobility, honor, the happiest tools, solidity, and characteristics of entertainment and recreation!
We are going to tell you about the features of the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan!
No matter what we tell you about the features of this beautiful and spectacular bridge, it is not enough, and to be honest, we cannot fully express its true worth so easily!
It is said about the Khajoo Bridge that in terms of structural features, it is similar to the Allahverdi Khan Bridge in many ways.
However, you should know about the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan that the basis of its decorations is based on tiling. In this regard, the decorations of this bridge are such that it has even surpassed its very famous and fellow bridge, Si-o-se Pol, and is more well-known.
In the construction of the Khaju Bridge, materials such as: Sarooj (a traditional mortar), stone, and brick have been used.
It is interesting to know about the Khaju Bridge that this passage was known as the most beautiful bridge in the whole world during the Safavid period.
They say that the best season to visit the Khaju Bridge is in the spring when the weather in this city becomes more beautiful and spectacular than ever. One of the interesting and multiple uses of the Khaju Bridge was that it was also used as a dam and weir.
On the Khaju Bridge, in addition to the Beyglar Beygi building, in the middle of each of the western and eastern sides of this bridge, there is a building built with several different rooms, each of which has interesting paintings. In this building, which was called the royal residence, kings, princes, emirs, dignitaries, and important people who came to the Khaju Bridge and intended to participate in competitions such as swimming and boating, would, in the old way, sit and watch the competitions.
Of course, of all that glory and grandeur, today only a stone bench remains, which they say is the remainder of the king’s seat. The 24 spans that exist on this bridge are all made from beautifully carved and constructed cubes. In the middle sections of this Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, wooden dams have been created that were built to block the river.
One of the benefits that the Khajoo Bridge had for the city of Isfahan is that it is one of the bridges that regulated the flow of water, and because of the existence of a valve and gate under its arches, it controlled the river water well.
Another positive characteristic of the Khaju Bridge is that the engineering of this structure allowed, by closing the water gates, the water to rise behind the dam. This in turn made irrigating the gardens towards which the water was directed easier. In this way, even the irrigation of gardens upstream was made possible by this bridge.
Khaju Bridge in Isfahan has been repaired and reconstructed many times throughout the centuries of its existence. Unfortunately, during one of these reconstructions in recent years, new stones were used to replace the old and historic stones of this structure, and in this way, the authenticity of the bridge has been damaged in the opinion of many people.
There is an interesting story about the engineering of the Khaju Bridge in Isfahan: contrary to our expectations, the more water reaches it, the more it strengthens the foundations of the bridge and increases its lifespan. Conversely, if water does not reach it, it will cause the bridge to deteriorate over time.
Khaju Bridge was registered as a national historical landmark on January 1, 1932, with registration number 111.
The Story of the 2 Stone Lions of Khaju Bridge!
Another attraction on the Khajoo Bridge in Isfahan is that there are two stone lions located on the eastern corners of the bridge.
These two stone lions apparently symbolize the protectors of the Zayandeh River and the city of Isfahan, called the Bakhtiari Sepahian (Bakhtiari warriors). By Bakhtiari, we mean the Bakhtiari people, whose bravery and sacrifices we have witnessed throughout the centuries.
In fact, these two lions have been watching over the Zayandeh River and the city of Isfahan for about four centuries. Behind each of these lions, a letter is engraved, which they say is the first initial of the person who made these lions.
Another design that has been engraved on these lions are symbols of ancient Iranian sports. These interesting lions are built in such a way that when you look at them, you will imagine that they are watching you. The eyes of these stone lions, as in the past, have a lot of shine. The eyes of these lions become very bright at night, and this has given rise to many stories and legends.
The backs of the Khajoo Bridge lions are now so smooth and flat that it seems as if they have been polished. The reason for this is that over the years, due to the lack of proper care and some actions, such as riding young children on the backs of these lions or taking souvenir photos while appearing to be riding them, the lions have been polished and damaged.
How do I get to Khajoo Bridge in Isfahan?
To get to Khaju Bridge, you need to go to the city of Isfahan and the Zayandehrud river.
Ways to access Khaju Bridge
By bus:
If you want to go to Khajoo Bridge by bus, you should know that it is 270 meters from the central bus station of Isfahan.
By walk:
From the City Center: The Khaju Bridge is located slightly southeast of the historical city center of Isfahan. If you’re staying near Naqsh-e Jahan Square or other central areas, it’s a pleasant and manageable walk. The walk will take you through some interesting neighborhoods and allow you to soak in the atmosphere of the city.
By Taxi:
Available Everywhere: Taxis are plentiful in Isfahan and a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time or have mobility issues.
Related post :
- History of the Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kashan
- The Esfahak village, a remnant of the devastating earthquake in Tabas in 1978
- Darak Beach in Chabahar | One of the Most Unique Beaches in Iran
FAQ
What is the Khaju Bridge?
The Khaju Bridge is a historical bridge in Isfahan, Iran, considered one of the finest examples of Persian architecture from the Safavid era. It also functions as a dam, regulating the water flow of the Zayanderud River.
Where is the Khaju Bridge located?
The Khaju Bridge spans the Zayanderud River in Isfahan, Iran. It’s located on the eastern side of the city, a little downstream from other famous bridges like the Si-o-Se Pol.
When was the Khaju Bridge built?
The Khaju Bridge was built around 1650 CE, during the reign of Shah Abbas II, the seventh Safavid Shah of Iran.
What kind of materials were used to build the Khaju Bridge?
The bridge is primarily constructed from brick and stone held together with mortar. Decorative elements include tilework and plaster.
Is the Khaju Bridge open to the public?
Yes, the Khaju Bridge is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to walk across the bridge, admire its architecture, and enjoy the surrounding views.
What is the best time to visit the Khaju Bridge?
Late afternoon and early evening are particularly pleasant times to visit the bridge, when the lighting is beautiful and many locals gather there to relax and socialize.