Two arches and contrasting stone
Spanning the Bendimahi River, the bridge formed part of an old caravan route. Two pointed arches support a crossing that rises gently towards the middle. In the provincial tourism directorate’s photograph, light and dark stone courses make its outline stand out against the green plain.
More than one period in the stone
The Anadolu Selçuklu Mimarisi inventory reports no surviving foundation inscription and suggests a date through architectural comparison. Rather than assign a precise construction year, it is better understood as a historic crossing repaired at different times.
The inventory records repairs in 1992 and 2007. The present deck, side walls and parapets belong to that repair history too; not every detail visible in the photograph survives from the original construction.
Three distinct crossings
The suspension bridge at Muradiye Waterfall, Şeytan Bridge and historic Bendimahi Bridge are separate structures. When looking for Bendimahi, identify the old caravan crossing by its two pointed arches.
This is a stop in the Muradiye area, outside central Erciş. You can research it alongside a waterfall outing; check local road and access conditions before travelling.
