A 172 m, ten-arch basalt bridge over the Tigris, photographed from the bank at sunrise with the walls on the skyline.
The Ten-Eyed Bridge (On Gözlü Köprü) crosses the Tigris about 3 km south of the old city. Its 172 m of basalt arches, ten spans and nine pyramid-capped cutwaters on the upstream side make a strong composition when the river is calm, and an inscription dates the bridge to 1064-65.
The classic view looks along the bridge from the bank at sunrise, with arches mirrored in the water in the low-flow months and the walls on the skyline behind. Late afternoon light suits detail shots of the cutwaters. The roadway carries traffic, so photographers should keep clear of the deck and watch for passing vehicles. The Tigris is fast after snowmelt in spring, and photographers should stay back from the bank edge.
| Best time | Sunrise or late afternoon |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round; spring and autumn for the clearest air |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | On Gözlü Köprü, Dicle Nehri, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Wide-angle and telephoto zoom, Tripod, Polarising filter
Location
On Gözlü Köprü, Dicle Nehri, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
37.8872, 40.2289 View on map
Highlights
- Ten basalt arches reflected in the Tigris
- Pyramid-capped cutwaters on the upstream side
- City walls visible on the skyline
- Soft light at sunrise and golden hour
Tips for visiting
- Shoot from the bank at sunrise for mirror reflections when the river is calm.
- Use a tripod and a 1-4 second exposure at blue hour to soften the water.
- Keep clear of the roadway; the bridge carries vehicles.
- Stay back from the bank edge in spring when the river runs high.
- Bring a telephoto to compress the walls behind the arches.
When to visit
Sunrise or late afternoon; spring and autumn for clear air.
Accessibility
Reachable by road; riverbank tracks are unpaved and uneven.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to photograph the bridge?
Sunrise for calm water and soft side light, and late afternoon for warm light on the stone.
Is there a fee?
No. The bridge and banks are public.
How far is it from the old city?
About 3 km south of the centre of Sur.
Can drones be flown here?
Drone use is regulated in Türkiye and needs permission, so it should not be assumed allowed.