The date has shifted 50 meters.

The Kilezdere Arch Bridge, built in the 16th century in Kocaeli and moved 50 meters forward during railway construction in 1998, stands out with its contribution to commercial mobility and architectural details.

Located beside Salim Dervişoğlu Street between the districts of Başiskele and İzmit, Kilezdere Arch Bridge was commissioned by Canfeda Hatun, known for her closeness to Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murad III. This bridge, believed to have been built in the 16th century, takes its name from the Kirazdere, also known as Kilezdere, which provides water to the Yuvacık Dam.

Dismantled and moved 50 meters forward
The Kilezdere Bridge has undergone many repairs since its construction. During the railway construction in 1998, the bridge was dismantled from its original location and moved approximately 50 meters forward. Currently closed to vehicle traffic, the bridge also draws attention with its architecture.
Researcher-writer Emin Öztürk provided information about the history of the bridge. Öztürk stated that Kilezdere Arch Bridge was built in the 16th century, saying, “Kilezdere Arch Bridge was constructed by Canfeda Hatun, who is known by the title Kethüda in the Ottoman palace, held significant duties in the harem, and was very close to Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murad III. Canfeda Hatun, who spent part of her income on charitable works, has many structures like this bridge in Istanbul and İzmit.”

“It made a significant contribution to the commercial mobility of the period”
Öztürk noted that the bridge made a significant contribution to the commercial mobility of the period, stating, “This historical structure, also known as ‘Kemer Köprü’ among the people, gets its name from the Kirazdere, which provides water to the Yuvacık Dam. The bridge has also been depicted in the drawings of the famous miniature artist of the time, Matrakçı Nasuh. In Nasuh’s drawings, the bridge is detailed with 3 large and 6 small arches. Thanks to these miniatures, the historical value of Kilezdere Arch Bridge has been preserved visually, as well as in oral narratives.”

“These structural differences were made to increase the bridge’s durability”
Emin Öztürk mentioned that each arch of the bridge differs in height and width, explaining, “These structural differences were made to enhance the durability of the bridge and to direct the water more efficiently according to the speed of the current beneath it. The upper part of the bridge, its deck, is 57 meters long and 5 meters wide. This indicates that it was sufficiently wide for vehicle and pedestrian crossings during that period.”

“Moved from its original location”
Öztürk explained that the bridge has undergone numerous repairs since its construction, stating, “Kilezdere Arch Bridge was moved about 50 meters down from its original location during the railway construction works in İzmit in 1998. Today, the bridge, which is still closed to vehicle traffic, continues to attract attention as a valuable heritage from the Ottoman period.”