History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Koyunbaba Bridge, the most majestic necklace of Kızılırmak, was built by the Ottoman Sultan II between 1484 and 1489. It was built by Bayezid. The 250-meter-long, 19-eyed cut stone bridge, built in memory of Seyyid Ali Horasani (His Holiness Koyunbaba), one of the saints of Khorasan, is the most monumental example of Ottoman bridge architecture in Anatolia. The bridge, which has been standing tall against Kızılırmak floods for hundreds of years, integrates with the historical Osmancık Kandiber Castle, built on the steep rock mass right above it. The registered, world-famous 'Osmancık Rice', produced in paddy fields fed by the fertile alluviums of Kızılırmak, is the symbol of Turkey's rice warehouse. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Osmancık district lies at an altitude of 430 meters, along the Kızılırmak Valley at the junction of the Black Sea Region and Central Anatolia. The paddy fields on the valley floor and the rich poplar groves in the surrounding area create the natural wetland character of the district. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Historical Koyunbaba Bridge is open to pedestrians and its visit is free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: The historical stone bridge is completely pedestrianized and very suitable for stroller and wheelchair access.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a riverside walking promenade, observation terraces, paddy and rice sales shops, parks, prayer rooms and rest cafes. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Güney Mahallesi, Kızılırmak Sahil Kordonu, Osmancık / Çorum.•Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: Istanbul-Samsun (D100 / E80) international transit highway passes through the center of Osmancık; Transportation is extremely convenient and comfortable.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): All intercity buses operating on the Black Sea-Istanbul line stop at Osmancık Recreation Facilities and Bus Terminal; Additionally, Çorum-Osmancık minibuses operate constantly.•Parking Availability:There is free parking for 100 vehicles in the coastal car park along the river at the bridge entrance. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The magnificent silhouette of the Koyunbaba Bridge arches over the Kızılırmak and the steep Kandiber Castle behind it reflected in the water.•Light and Shooting Hours:Evening sunset hours and decorative lighting views of the bridge at night.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Proprietary Osmancık Rice and buttery Osmancık pilaf cooked on wood fire, Kızılırmak carp and local Osmancık pole kebab should definitely be tasted.