Sheikh Bridge

Sheikh Bridge, also known as Qolichian Bridge, is one of the historic bridges of Kurdistan Province. It stands near the city of Sanandaj, over the Qeshlaq River. The bridge was built about 2 kilometres north of Sanandaj, on the road to the villages of Babariz and Qolichian, along the route linking Sanandaj to Bijar and Zanjan. Although the exact date of construction and the name of its patron are unknown, the architectural style and the structure of its arches and piers show that it dates from the Qajar period. Sheikh Bridge was registered on Iran's National Heritage List on 25 Esfand 1378 (Solar Hijri) under number 2614, and today it is regarded as one of the region's valuable historic monuments.

With a length and structure suited to the riverbed, Sheikh Bridge is an example of the skill of Qajar-era builders in constructing bridges for transport links. It has 6 spans, of which the four middle ones are larger than the two at the sides. Its arches combine Roman (semicircular) and pointed arches (the "panj-o-haft" type). The bridge is about 5.3 metres wide and nearly 6.7 metres high above the riverbed. During the reign of Reza Shah (the First Pahlavi period), three of the bridge's six spans were rebuilt to preserve its strength. The bridge's present name comes from Haj Sheikh Shokrollah Shahbazi, a figure who played an important part in its restoration; from then on the bridge became known as "Sheikh Bridge".

Sheikh Bridge is very easy to reach from Sanandaj, and visitors can get to this historic structure after a short trip along the road to Babariz and Qolichian. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the Qeshlaq River is full and the countryside around the bridge is greener and more beautiful. When visiting, keeping the area clean, avoiding any damage to the historic structure, not writing graffiti on the bridge and respecting the surroundings of this valuable monument will play an important part in preserving it for future generations.