The 'Mostar Bridge' of Tokat bears traces of history

The Stork Bridge, also known as the "Mostar of Tokat," attracts attention with its architectural structure. The bridge, with a single-arch and semicircular design, spans the Çanakçı Stream in the district of Niksar in Tokat province, bearing the traces of history. Although the exact construction date of the bridge is unknown, it is estimated to have been built during the Roman or Byzantine period. Used during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, the bridge continues to welcome visitors. Referred to locally as "Arasta," "Stork," and "Snake," the bridge is likened by visitors to the Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Standing over the Çanakçı Stream, the bridge with four remaining arches, the largest of which has a significant span, is among Turkey's top 100 bridges. Its architectural integrity preserved in cut stone, the round, single-eyed bridge continues to attract the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the district. The bridge derives its name from a cut stone located in the center of its arch, featuring figures of a snake and a stork.

"It challenges history and earthquakes."

Sedat Urkaya, a 60-year-old resident of the district, says, "There is a Mostar Bridge in Europe. This is also Tokat's Mostar Bridge. It challenges history and earthquakes. I believe it represents Tokat and Niksar very well. We have a country that will develop with tourism. Those who do not see this bridge will regret it. I would like everyone to come and see it. Niksar has its bridge and mosque. Niksar Castle is famous for having the second-largest walls in Europe. Diyarbakır is the first, and we have the second with Niksar Castle. Those who come to see it and do not cross this bridge and take a photo should consider themselves not having lived. This used to be a plain and a place dependent on agriculture. It is known that storks used to eat the snakes they collected from Çanakcı Stream here. There is very good agriculture here, so there is also a Mediterranean climate. It's the migration route of storks. It has become a symbol of storks. They drew the figure of the stork with a snake in its mouth and transferred it here to history. Well done to them." Kadir Tuğzemin says, "This bridge is famous. They call it the Stork Bridge with a snake in its mouth. Many people come here to watch it. They mostly come from outside. Since we are traders, they ask us where the Stork Bridge is."