The Khaju Bridge is very famous bridge in Iran, due to its pleasing construction idea. It is one of the oldest bridge in Isfahan, Iran. After 17th Century, travelers visiting Iran and tourist admiration has increased. Shah Abbas II, built new bridge on foundation of old bridge which was constructed in 1650 or so. The bridge serves as a link between Zoroastrian quarters and north banks, through the river Zayandeh River. The bridge is constructed with multi-purpose, the bridge is not only used for transportation but also as weir. The primary function of this bridge was abode for public meeting or as a tea-house.
Although there are no great rivers in Iran owing to the fact most of its territory is desert, Isfahan in the Kavir Desert is on the Zayandeh River, which originates in the Zagros Mountains, and supplies water for the city. The river does not however reach the sea, disappearing at about 100 km east of the city in the Gavkhouni Marsh.
While the old section of Isfahan and the new section constructed by Shah Abbas I (1571?1629) are located north of the river, the Shah (King) further developed an area south of the river, constructing an enormous garden with palaces designated as the Hezar Jarib Garden. He also had large numbers of Armenians move from various places in Iran to Isfahan, in a district on the south side of the river, naming it New Julfa. The Armenians took on the role of Isfahanfs commerce and its development, on condition they were able to remain Christian.
Thus, in order to conveniently connect the northern and southern parts of Isfahan separated by the river, new bridges were needed. Though naturally there were some bridges since the age of the Sassanid Dynasty (226-651), it was in the age of the Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736) that they were reconstructed far more strongly and beautifully.
The civilization who most highly developed the technology of bridge construction was the ancient Roman Empire. The reason that the bridges of its Hellenistic civilization in various places are still in use is that they were constructed through the structure of stable arches. Persia learned that technology from Rome. It constructed many staunch and attractive bridges, using stone only for the basal part and replacing the upper part with Iranfs main material, brick.The functions of Persian bridges were not only transportation of people and goods from one side to another. Since a river might be the sole source of water in a desert climate, it was necessary to bring water to a city and to the irrigation canals of nearby fields, regulating the flow of river water. Many Persian bridges thus carried out such roles as dams and barrages.
The 132-meter long and 20-meter wide in size, the Khaju Bridge has interesting structure. Unlike other Bridge this Khaju Bridge has 23-arches, 26 and 21 smaller and large inlets. The bridge is made up of bricks and stones. The stones used in construction of this bridge is 2-meter long. It has 20-meter distance between ceiling base and each channels.This bridge is not constructed with support of cables or so, it is arch bridge. The structure is in semi-circular form. The bridge is said a goal that connect Hassan Abad and area of Khaju, with Takht’e Foolad, and a road to the ‘Shiraz’.
In 17th Century, the upper level of bridge was used for horse-carts and pedestrians. The Octagonal Pavilions, at centre is used for art Gallery and Teahouse. While the most lower level is also used as Pedestrian way or just a shady place to rest. In year, 2008 the Khaju bridge was termed as world’s ‘multifunctional bridge’. It was in that year, it made entry in list of ‘Most amazing bridges of world’.
Khaju Bridge of isfahan
As per the inscriptions, the bridge was repaired in year 1873. The Bridge is 350-years old, and still working. Instead of using their, proper trained archaeologist and their tools, authorities settled to use conventional method. This resulted into damage of few ancient Iranian sites. The project is still under improvement category. People hope that on improvement the history integrity is not damaged, the structural and historical essence of Khaju Bridge is maintained like before.