The Zayandeh starts in the Zagros Mountains and flows 400 kilometres (200 mi) eastward before ending in the Gavkhouni swamp, a seasonal salt lake, southeast of Isfahan city.
The Zayandeh is spanned by many historical Safavid era bridges, and flows through many parks.There are several new and old bridges (pol) over the Zayandeh River. The oldest, Shahrestan, built in 5th century AD, is still in use as a pedestrian crossing in Sharestan village.
Zayanderud
ZayanderudZāyandé-Rūd or Zāyanderūd also spelled as Zayandeh-Rood or Zayanderood, is the largest river in the central plateau of Iran.The Zayandeh starts in the Zagros Mountains and flows 400 kilometres (200 mi) eastward before ending in the Gavkhouni swamp, a seasonal salt lake, southeast of Isfahan city.
Zayanderud and Khajoo Bridge
The bridges over the Zayandeh-rud, the river that separates Isfahan from its southern bridge is the pol-e Shahrestan, which was probably built in the l2th century during the Seljuq period. Until recently, it was still located outside the town limits. This ten-arch bridge of stone and brick is the simplest of the old bridges and was originally defended on one side by a tower.
Isfahan and Tourists
Bridges of Isfahan at a glance
The city of Esfahan occupies both banks of Zayandeh Rud, and although only the northern part draws the tourists, the presence of river, running eastward right through the city is a most favorable feature. Trees and gardens (now mainly renovated into parks and promenades) line its shores, and the many ancient beautiful bridges carry heavy traffic to the modern plants and factories on the south bank.
The khaju bridge
One of the most beautiful bridges of the world. Khaju is a name of small district in the neighborhood of bridge. It is about 132 meters long and 12 meters wide. The Khaju Bridge is made of two decks (floors). This bridge was built to work for different purposes. As a bridge connected the old Isfahan to villages located on the southern side and also connected Isfahan to Shiraz road.
The historic bridges of modern Esfahan are of course Safavid, like the Maidan Each bridge coincides with a straight avenue running through the city from north to south . The best- known is the 132-m long Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge), some which is Slightly smaller but even more attractive, with two levels of terraces overlooking the river. Form bank to bank, and on the foundations of an earlier structure by the order of Shah Abbas II in 1650 AD, this magnificent bridge has been constructed with two purpose in mind: to be used both as a roadway and a dam (by means of sluices, the level of the river may be raised or lowered at will). The original purpose of this dam was to form an artificial lake for some distance upstream, in front of the numerous palace buildings and Kiosks that stood on either side of the river. It is now used to raise the level of the river Sufficiently to fill irrigation canals on either side.
But its most fascinating feature are the pavilions set into the 12-meter width called Shah Neshin (Royal Parlors) and once decorated with faience and inscriptions .The famous tea- house under the bridge is currently closed but may reopened soon: this used to be one of the most atmospheric places in Iran to sit and drink tea or smoke the ghalian (hubble- bubble), surrounded by slumbering Esfahan manhood.
Allah verdi khan bridge (sio se pol)
Most of Iranians call it SI-O-SE POL the bridge of 33 arches. The bridge connects central Chahar Bagh to the lower part of Chahar Bagh Avenue. It was built in 1602. Allah Verdi Khan supervised construction of this bridge. The bridge is 300 meters long and 14 meters wide.
Shahrestan bridge
Shahrestan bridge is the oldest bridge on Zayandeh Rud. The foundations are from the 3rd to 7th century Sasanian era, but the top was renovated in the 10th century by the Buyids and finally during the 11th century Seljuk period. However the architectural style is totally Sasanian.
Shahrestan Bridge, about 3 km east f the Pol-e Khaju and to the south of Jay Bus Terminal and the old town, is the oldest bridge built before the Safavid period of Iranian history. Although of slightly harder access, it is well worth visiting, and the walk is pleasant. Once is stood isolated like an old gray mule put out to grass. Most of its present stone and brick structure is believed to date 12th century. It can be reached both from the left and rights banks. The structure, named after a neighboring Shahrestan village to the north, is a fine arched bridge, slightly incurvated with arches of varying sizes. Its massive abutment dates back to the Sassanian period; however, its arches and small spans show indications of early Islamic architecture. It is 100 m long and 4.6 m wide, with 11 spans and 12 gigantic stone abutments. It is not open to traffic. It was repaired during the Seljuk period. The landscape is very peaceful with clumps of poplar trees and pebbles rolling on the bed of the river which is fast running in this particular spot. Just before sunset is a very good time to visit or photograph it.
Marnan Bridge
Marnan Bridge is one of historical bridges which was constructed west of the Safavid city. It was reconstructed during Safavid period. The original bridge was as old as the Shahrestan Bridge. In accordance with the available documents the Marnan Bridge was replanned and constructed by the order of Khajeh Sarfaraz who was an Armenian administrator of Armenian district in Isfahan.
Juei bridge
Common people call it Pole Choobi (The wooden bridge). It is about 146 meters long and 4 meters wide. It has 21 water canals. It was built in the 17th century. It was used as a royal and private bridge. There are two parlors, built for the Shah’s and was closed to public. Windows of this building opens to different river
sides.
