Irgandi Bridge

Built back in 1442, destroyed many times by earthquakes and bombs during the wars and finally renovated recently in 2004, this famous brigde of Bursa is one of the 4 bridges in the world that accomodates shops (the others being Osma Brigde in Bulgaria, Ponte Vechhio in Florence Italy and Rialto Bridge in Venice Italy). Today, it accomodates touristic shops and handcraft workshops. Today, it's cornered by modern monuments all around and this is what it makes it a wonder to see it all of a sudden while walking in the neighbourhood.

Irgandı Bridge (a.k.a Irgandı Köprüsü) is a historic covered bridge lined with shops (claimed to be the oldest of only four in the world). Irgandı Bridge spans the Gökdere River, a tributary of Nilüfer River. The bridge was commissioned by Müslihidddin (a wealthy merchant) in 1442 during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Murat II. It is a single arc bridge spanning 16 m by 11 m wide, originally with thirty shops, possibly designed by architect Timurtaş. It was partially damaged by an earthquake (1855) and Greek occupation during the Turkish War of Independence (1922). The bridge was restored in 1949 and again in 2004 by the Osmangazi Municipality. The small shops on the bridge offer traditional folk art workshops (e.g., glazed-tiling, painting, fabricating mother of pearl, woodcarving), snacks, and tourist items. Irgandı Bridge is open at all times (although the shops have normal business hours) with no entry fee.

A bridge with shops on it. There are three bridges like that on all over the world. It reminds me ponte vecchio in florence.

A very interesting bridge, where a handful of shops are located, its a nice spot where u can take a couple of photos

We walked there from the center. It is a nice bridge with shops inside. Mostly jewelry and touristic stuff. I was expecting water running under the bridge but it was just so little. Also some cafe places where you can sit and rest.

Descriptions I read made me really want to visit this historic and interesting bridge, and although it was very nice it was small and we had ‘done’ it quickly. The craft shops were not particularly interesting, but maybe it was just our bad luck that only a few were open.
Also when we visited the river was so dry you could have stepped over it which takes away from the beauty.
Luckily we found a cafe (Dere Cafe) tucked away at the end of the bridge and we spent some time enjoying the food and view of the beautiful bridge.
Glad we went but wouldn’t be rushing back.

First of all, its location is much more central than you think. It must be visited as it is a unique bridge with shops like the Ponte Vecchio of Florence. There is a cafe which sells excellent home made lemonades. There are a number of gift and jewelry shops on the bridge.

You need to walk thru this bridge and visit the shops on both sides since they are not ordinary shops but more like artisans' places where they produce their art forms.

It's about an old bridge with many shops on top of it, selling handcrafts and souvenirs ,there's not much to see while in bursa pay it a quick visit.

Is a normal place you dont lose anytging if you don t visit if is not on your way dont lose time to find it