Beauty, history of Moshir Bridge
The first phase of restoring the historic Moshir Bridge in Bushehr has been completed, according to the deputy head of Bushehr Province’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization.
Nasrallah Ebrahimi stated that the Moshir Bridge is one of the most significant historical bridges in Iran in terms of length, span, and foundation, with its origins dating back to the Sassanid period. It has been refurbished during both the Safavid and Qajar periods. He added that due to the collapse of one of the bridge’s spans, the restoration work was very complicated, as one of the arches had been destroyed, and during the restoration process, it has been completely recreated.
He continued: “In the second phase, we will focus on the arches and spans that were partially damaged. Additionally, during the first phase of restoration, efforts were made to reinforce the roots of the bridge and strengthen the adjacent caravanserai.”
The Moshir Bridge is a valuable structure from the Qajar period, rebuilt in 1869 CE concurrently with the Borzajan Caravanserai, upon the order of Haj Mirza Abolhassan Khan Moshir al-Molk Shirazi, by a renowned architect from Fars, Haj Mohammad Rahim Shirazi. The bridge features six spans and has a total length of 285 meters. The main materials used in its construction are large and small hewn stones, which are connected by lime mortar and, in some areas, secured with iron nails and rods.
Historians and travelers who have mentioned this bridge and its important role on the trade route from Bushehr to Shiraz include Forsatodolleh Shirazi and British explorer and writer Lord Curzon.
The Moshir al-Molk Bridge features a hybrid design, combining triangular and linear bridge styles, as well as two types of arches: pointed and Roman. Its length is 130 meters, with six pointed arches — one being the largest and another the smallest, while the remaining four are of equal size. The height of the tallest span is 11.40 meters, and its width is 10.50 meters.
Like all ancient bridges, the Moshir al-Molk Bridge operates on a weight-based principle, transferring its weight through its foundations to the riverbed. The stones used in the construction of the bridge’s foundations are large and rectangular up to a height of three or four meters, becoming smaller at greater heights. The larger stones are secured to each other and to the structure of the bridge’s foundations with long iron nails, and the arches are reinforced with wooden bracing. The stones used in the foundations are sandstone, which poses a serious risk of erosion to the bridge’s structure. The dimensions of the larger foundations of the bridge are approximately 10 meters by 13 meters, making it one of the thickest ancient bridges in Iran in terms of cross-sectional area.
Bushehr itself is a city rich in history and culture, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and historical sites. It has been a significant port city for centuries, playing a crucial role in trade and commerce. Visitors to Bushehr can explore various attractions, including the old port, traditional bazaars, and other historical landmarks that reflect the city’s vibrant past. The Moshir Bridge, with its architectural beauty and historical significance, stands as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and continues to attract tourists and history enthusiasts alike.