Delal Bridge has significantly enhanced the beauty of Zakho and is a notable historical landmark.
Delal Bridge is one of the ancient monuments that have attracted the attention of locals, historians, and academics in the field of archaeology. This is due to the bridge’s impressive design and engineering. Located in Zakho city, in Duhok province, it spans 114 meters in length, 4.7 meters in width, and stands 15.5 meters high. The bridge consists of five arches, through which water flows, with the middle arch being larger than the others. Several names have been attributed to this bridge, the most prominent being “Delal Bridge,” “Great Bridge,” and “Abbasid Bridge.” The people of Zakho engage in discussions and share stories about the origins of each of these names.
Regarding the name “Delal,” it is rumored that the bridge received its name due to its stunning and appealing appearance. It was referred to as the Great Bridge because of its considerable size and intricate engineering. The name Abbasid Bridge suggests a connection to the Abbasid period.
The construction of Delal Bridge dates back to pre-Islamic times. In the earliest documents from the Middle Ages, a Muslim traveler named Al-Muqaddasi visited the area and mentioned this bridge, referring to it as “Qantara,” a term used for bridges that facilitated the crossing and travel of people and soldiers. This reference is believed to date back to the 4th century AH (10th century AD).
The bridge underwent renovations in the 1960s by the Iraqi General Directorate of Antiquities. However, this renovation was not conducted scientifically, as inappropriate materials such as cement and a type of stone incompatible with the original structure were used.
Stone was the primary material employed in the construction of Delal Bridge, with a mixture of lime used to fill the crevices between the stones. The bridge’s foundation is formed from bedrock, and the stones used in its construction were sourced from a region located 25 kilometers north of Zakho. Today, two or three enormous stones, intended for the bridge but left behind due to their size, remain abandoned along that stretch of road.
Delal Bridge is a popular destination for both residents and tourists visiting Zakho city. Today, it serves as a historical emblem for the city.