Mardagh Bridge

Mardagh Bridge, also known as Sarcheshmeh Mardagh Bridge, is one of the most notable historical monuments of Maragheh County in East Azerbaijan Province. It stands near the village of Mardagh, over the perennial Mardaghchay River. Dating back to the Safavid era, the bridge was inscribed on Iran's National Heritage List on 17 Esfand 1381 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 7540. The Mardaghchay River rises on the southern slopes of Mount Sahand and, after crossing the plains of the region, flows into Lake Urmia. The bridge's position over this well-watered river made it very important in the past and turned it into one of the region's key transport routes.

With a length of about 42 metres, a width of 4.5 metres and a height of nearly 6.8 metres above the riverbed, Mardagh Bridge is the tallest historic bridge in Maragheh and one of the three major historic bridges of the county. It has three spans with pointed arches. The middle span is larger than the two side spans, and two small arches in the body of the bridge reduce the weight of the structure and let floodwater pass. The piers are built of dressed local stone and red brick, and their triangular and semicircular cutwaters not only strengthen the structure but also play an important role in directing the flow of the water. Although the bridge is attributed to the Safavid period, some of its architectural features, especially the arches and the construction method, resemble the architecture of the Ilkhanid period. In the past the bridge carried the route linking Maragheh with Hashtrud and Mianeh, and today it is still regarded as one of the most valuable surviving examples of the region's historic architecture.

To reach Mardagh Bridge, drive from the city of Maragheh towards the village of Mardagh. The bridge lies about one kilometre east of the village, beside the Mardaghchay River, and the access road is easily passable by private car. The best time to visit this historic site is spring and early summer, when the river is full, the surrounding countryside is green and the view of the bridge is at its most beautiful. When you visit, you can help preserve this valuable monument for future generations by keeping the area clean, avoiding any damage to the historic structure, and respecting nature and the riverbed.