August 11, 2022 by   

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Title

White Bridge

Description

Akköprü

Location

36.89777, 28.90248

Dating

6th-7th/8th centuries (based on paleographic analysis of the inscription) with later repairs (brick masonry on the southern side)

Measurements

L: ca. 52 m, W: btw. 2.85 and 3.05 m

Abutments, Piers, Arches

Two arches: The larger one two-centered (19 m span), the smaller arch semi-circular (6.40 m span). The northern, upstream side of the pier btw. the arches is shaped as a pointed breakwater.

Material and Technique

Up to the springing of the arches: different-sized, dressed limestone blocks with irregular, discontinuous joints. Rubble facing of the superstructure. On the pier, a horizontal band of bricks bonds the ashlars below with the rubble masonry above. Radially laid bricks form the arches.

Donors

A certain Ioannes

Inscription

Donor inscription and monogram on the southern face, above the smaller arch: Θεοῦ θέλοντος ἔκτισεν Ἰ(ω)άν(νη)ς χ(ωρεπίσκοπος) [or σχ(ολαστικός)] (?) [God willing Ioannes the Chorepiskopos (or Scholastikos) (?) built (this bridge)].

Current Condition

2009 submerged after the construction of Akköprü Dam

Metadata created by

Galina Fingarova

Image by

Mustafa Adak

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