TEHRAN – The upper deck of the historical Si-o-Se Pol bridge, an architectural gem in Isfahan, has undergone comprehensive restoration for the first time in a decade.

In an interview with IRNA on Wednesday, Hadi Allahyari, an official responsible for monitoring Isfahan’s historical bridges, detailed the project, saying: “Its first phase has been commenced from the eastern side on the rooftop (upper deck) of the bridge.”

“The inna​gural phase includes lightening the structure, repairing gutters, and refurbishing brickwork. The project is being overseen by the technical office of the Isfahan province’s directorate of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.”

The official said the last thorough restoration of Si-o-Se Pol’s rooftop was conducted at least ten years ago by a team of restorers under the supervision of directorate’s experts.

“The necessity for this comprehensive restoration stems from the deterioration of bricks and previous interventions, particularly from the time when the bridge was used for vehicular traffic.”

Allahyari emphasized that the rooftop restoration is set to be executed in at least two phases. Upon completion of these phases, attention will shift to the bridge’s body and doors for further restoration.

“Regular monitoring and occasional repairs are performed on Si-o-Se Pol by restoration teams, but it was ultimately decided to undertake a full-scale restoration in multiple stages,” Allahyari noted.

He voiced hope that additional funding -- provided by the government --could be secured to continue these essential restoration efforts.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the official said one of the persistent challenges faced by the bridge is vandalism, including graffiti on its bricks and damage to the lower-level doors.

Allahyari highlighted the high foot traffic of passersby on Si-o-Se Pol, which connects historical sites on both sides of the Zayandeh River, making it more susceptible to damage compared to other historical bridges in the city, such as the Khaju Bridge.

Si-o-Se Pol, renowned as the longest historical bridge in Isfahan and the largest structure on water in Iran, is celebrated for its 33 arches forming the first level. The second level features a pedestrian walkway flanked by walls and arcades, some of which open to the surrounding scenery.

Isfahan is renowned not only for the abundance of great historical bridges but also for its ‘life-giving river’, the Zayandeh-Rood, which has long bestowed the city an original beauty and fertility.

Soaked in a rich history, it was once a crossroad of international trade and diplomacy in Iran, and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons.

The ancient city embraces many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards.

Interestingly, Isfahan is nicknamed Nesf-e-Jahan, which is translated into “half the world”, meaning seeing it is relevant to see half the world. In its heyday, it was also one of the largest cities in the region, with a population of nearly one million.

AM