History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The historical Korgan Bridge is an architectural masterpiece of the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, built on the Demirözü valley, on one of the most important side branches of the Silk Road connecting Eastern Anatolia and the Caucasus to the Black Sea ports. The bridge, built from cut tuff stone in the form of a two-eyed round arch, has enabled caravans, ulema and armies to pass safely for centuries without being affected by floods. The blessings of the caravans were included in the stone inscriptions on the foundations of the bridge, and the local people attributed the flood-defying durability of the bridge to the glazed Khorasan mortar of the Seljuk masters and the foundation stones laid with prayers. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located within the borders of Demirözü district, on the Gori Stream, at an altitude of approximately 1,630 meters. Willow groves, meadow lands and the serene valleys of the Demirözü plain lie around it. The clear mountain water flowing under the bridge and the lush green nature around create an idyllic historical atmosphere. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Visiting the historical bridge is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; It is recommended to visit during daylight hours.•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: The stone railings of the historical bridge should not be climbed and garbage should not be thrown into the stream bed. Thanks to the smooth stone-paved bridge deck, it can be easily crossed with a stroller.•Facilities and Facilities:There are natural walking areas and rest points around the bridge; There are food and beverage facilities in the town centre. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Çiftetaş - Korgan Mevkii, Demirözü / Bayburt.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 5 km from Demirözü town center and approximately 32 km from Bayburt centre; It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles via a short stabilized connection via an asphalt road.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can come to the town center with Demirözü district minibuses, which depart hourly from Bayburt center; From here, you can reach the bridge in 5 minutes by local taxi.•Parking Availability:There is an open and free car parking area right next to the bridge. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Go down to the stream level and photograph the circular reflections of the two stone arches of the bridge on the water and the clear waters passing under the arches from a wide angle.•Light and Shooting Times:The light fog rising over the stream in the early morning hours and the golden hour afternoon sun offer the most idyllic shots.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:During your trip to Demirözü, the famous Demirözü honey, fresh kashar, Bayburt water pastry and tandoori kete should definitely be tasted.