Khoda Afarin Bridges

The Khoda Afarin Bridges, also known as the Bridges of Longing (Hasrat Bridges), are among the most important historical monuments of East Azerbaijan Province. They are located in Khoda Afarin County, over the Aras River at the border between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The complex consists of two arched bridges built about 100 metres apart, each with its own architectural and historical features. The larger bridge is considered the older one, while the smaller bridge is thought to belong to a later period, probably the Safavid era. The strategic position of the bridges in the natural gorge of the Aras River meant that, throughout history, they played an important role in the cultural, commercial and military links of the region.

The Great Khoda Afarin Bridge is regarded as an important historical monument of the post-Islamic period. It was added to Iran's National Heritage List on 5 Esfand 1376 (Solar Hijri) under registration number 1858. Since ancient times the bridge has served as a vital link between the Caucasus and Iranian Azerbaijan, and it was one of the main routes for caravans and armies. Historically, the bridges are valuable works of the Islamic era, and according to some sources they have a much older origin, going back to pre-Islamic times. The larger bridge has about 11 spans and the other has 15 spans. They are examples of traditional engineering in arched bridge construction, built with materials such as stone, brick, gypsum plaster and lime mortar. Over the centuries these structures have been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and they also played an important military and communications role during the Russo-Persian wars. Parts of the bridges remain intact while other parts are damaged, but overall both bridges still convey the splendour of the region's historical architecture.

To reach the Khoda Afarin Bridges, travel to the north of East Azerbaijan Province and to Khoda Afarin County. The site lies near the Khoda Afarin Dam, next to border villages. It can be reached by the roads of the Kaleybar and Khoda Afarin area, and the monument is visited on foot after arriving by road. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when the weather is milder and the nature around the Aras River is at its most beautiful. When visiting this national monument, it is very important to practise responsible tourism: preserve the historical structure of the bridges, avoid harming the river's natural environment and respect the border area.