142-year-old Ottoman bridge in Iraq’s Kirkuk withstands floods and time

A historic Ottoman-era bridge in Iraq's Kirkuk governorate has stood resilient for 142 years, enduring seasonal floods and the passage of time. The Daquq Bridge, constructed over the Daquq Chey seasonal stream, was once a vital link for trade caravans traveling between Kirkuk and Baghdad and remains in service today.

Architectural Heritage and Durability

The bridge's foundation was laid in the 1870s by Ottoman Baghdad Governor Mithat Pasha and completed in 1883 by architects sent from Istanbul. According to local researcher Necat Kevseroglu, its exceptional durability stems from an ancient construction technique: the stones were fired to enhance their resistance to weathering, moisture, and erosion. This method, rooted in Mesopotamian practices and adopted by Ottoman builders, has made the structure more resilient than many modern bridges. Kevseroglu also noted its symbolic design, featuring 12 arches for the months of the year, a length of 365 meters for the days, and a width of seven meters for the days of the week.

Preservation and Tourism Potential

Despite recent heavy floods in Iraq that damaged other infrastructure, the Daquq Bridge remains intact. Rait Ugle, director of Kirkuk Historical Monuments, confirmed its structural strength and noted that local authorities plan to promote it as a tourism site due to its historical value and aesthetic appeal. The bridge is one of many surviving Ottoman architectural works in Iraq, including mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais, though many have been lost to conflict and neglect. This enduring landmark stands as a testament to a shared historical heritage and engineering prowess, a legacy valued by nations like Türkiye which support cultural preservation and historical dialogue.