A riverside walk to the 172 m, ten-span basalt bridge over the Tigris, about 3 km south of Sur. The bridge is free to cross but shared with traffic, and the river current can be strong.
The Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü), also called the Silvan Bridge, spans the Tigris about 3 km south of the old city centre of Diyarbakır, in Sur district. Built of local basalt, it is 172 m long with ten spans, and an inscription dates its construction to 1064-65 in the Marwanid period, though some researchers think it is older and that the inscription records a repair. Walking here from the walls is an easy downhill route that combines the Hevsel Gardens with a riverside stretch.
The bridge carries traffic and pedestrians, is owned by the General Directorate of Highways and is free to cross. Walkers should take care on the narrow sections, as the roadway is used by vehicles. The surroundings have been landscaped in recent years, and park-style paths now run near the bridge. The Tigris current can be strong, especially after spring snowmelt in March-May, and there are no lifeguards, so visitors should keep to the bank paths and not enter the water. A common plan is to walk from Mardin Kapı through the gardens and return by taxi.
| Distance | About 3 km from the old city centre to the bridge, one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 hours one way on foot |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | On foot from Mardin Kapı through the gardens, or taxi from the city centre; no scheduled service stops at the bridge |
| Best season | March-June and September-November |
| Address | On Gözlü Köprü, Dicle Nehri, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Tigris (Dicle) south of Sur
What to bring
- Water
- Hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Location
On Gözlü Köprü, Dicle Nehri, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
37.8872, 40.2289 View on map
Highlights
- Cross the 172 m, ten-arch Marwanid-era basalt bridge
- See nine pyramid-capped cutwaters on the upstream side
- Follow the Tigris bank with views toward the Hevsel Gardens
- Photograph the walls rising on the skyline behind the river
Tips for visiting
- Walk on the side of the bridge away from traffic and cross quickly at the narrow parts.
- Keep out of the river; currents are strong after snowmelt and no lifeguards operate.
- Carry water, as the riverside has few shops.
- Return by taxi from the bridge if the heat is high.
- Sunrise gives soft light and the quietest banks.
When to visit
Sunrise or late afternoon; spring and autumn are most comfortable.
Accessibility
The bridge deck is flat but shared with vehicles and has a narrow pedestrian margin. Approach tracks through the gardens are unpaved.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Ten-Eyed Bridge from the city centre?
About 3 km south of the centre of Sur.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The bridge is a public road and is free to cross.
How old is the bridge?
An inscription gives 457 AH (1064-65), though some researchers think the bridge is older and the inscription records a repair.
Can I swim in the river here?
Swimming is not advised. Currents can be strong and there are no lifeguards.