Penkalas and the Bridges
The river which mentionen as “Penkalas” in ancient resources (today “Kocaçay” or “Bedir River”), rises from the springs in Efendiköy near Murat Mountain. Four bridges got constructed by Eurykles’, one of the leading families in Aizanoi, in Roman Empire Hadrianus’ period. In the same period, the river banks which placed between these four bridges fortified with quay walls. Some parts of the quay walls which constructed with large limestone blocks reached today. C. Texier who is known for traveling the area in 1834, depicted these quay walls and 4th bridge in his book “Asia Minor”.
Besides the depictions, the survey and restitution drawings of French traveler Leon de Laborde in 1838, are quite impressive. At 3 km.
south of city center, a river dam which made with large limestone blocks in Roman period takes place. This dam is contemporaneus with the bridges and quay walls.
Restoration implementaions done by General Directorate of Highways in recent years. With the support of Governorship of Kütahya, excavation and restoration works continues at quay walls and in river.
Last Update Date: 14 June 2023, Wednesday