The Varda Viaduct, also known by its Turkish name Varda Köprüsü and informally as Alman Köprüsü or Koca Köprü (the German Viaduct or Big Viaduct), is a spectacular work of engineering situated amid the scenic expanse of southern Turkey. This renowned stone structure in Hacıkırı village, Karaisalı district, Adana Province, connects the towns of Adana and Konya with the railway network. The viaduct, which spans a ravine in the Taurus Mountains, serves as a memorial not only to its German architects, but also to the region’s historical and geopolitical growth.

Historical Context and Construction

The Varda Viaduct was built as part of the grandiose Baghdad Railway project, which aimed to connect Berlin and Basra (then part of the Ottoman Empire), allowing for direct oil supplies to German industry. The Deutsche Bank financed the project, which was carried out by Philipp Holzmann & Cie, a prominent German construction business. The design was the idea of two notable engineers: German Winkler and Greek-Ottoman Nicholas Mavrogordato, who succeeded Winkler as head engineer after his tragic death.

Construction on the viaduct began in 1905, after substantial planning and logistical obstacles. The most difficult obstacle to overcome was the rough terrain of the Taurus Mountains, notably around Belemedik. The railway route passed through a 12-kilometer stretch where 22 tunnels had been meticulously built over two decades. To help with the viaduct’s construction, a full crew of German technical personnel and thousands of multi-national laborers was stationed in a newly built camp in Belemedik, which included a hospital, school, church, mosque, and even a movie theater. These workers endured harsh conditions, with materials such as steel and cement imported to the nearby port of Mersin before being brought by camel to the job site.

Design and Engineering Excellence

The Varda Viaduct’s design revolves around its beautiful stone arch structure, which is 172 meters (564 feet) long and rises to a height of 98 meters (322 feet). The viaduct is made up of eleven ashlar arch spans, each precisely built to carry the weight of passing trains while withstanding the region’s seismic activity. The core section of the viaduct has three arches, each 30 meters (98 feet) long, while the flanking arches range in size from 6 meters (20 feet) to 12 meters (39 feet). The viaduct is famous for its curved shape, with a curvature radius of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), which was precisely built to allow trains to safely over it.

To support the arches, temporary falsework steel frames were initially installed on the masonry pillars, allowing the construction to be completed. After years of careful craftsmanship, the railway line across the viaduct was completed in 1916, though formal technical specifications were not approved until 1912.

Strategic Importance and Legacy

The completion of the Varda Viaduct in 1907 was an important milestone in Ottoman-German collaboration, and its opening in 1916 marked the start of regular rail operations across the structure. The viaduct became an important connection in the larger network connecting Istanbul to the Middle East, representing the period’s technological achievements. Minister of War Enver Pasha was the first high-ranking Ottoman official to cross the viaduct, doing so on February 18, 1917. During the last days of World War I, retreating German troops used the viaduct.

The railway stations at both ends of the viaduct, Hacıkırı and Karaisalı Bucağı, are still operating and serviced by the center Anatolian Blue train (İç Anadolu Mavi Treni), which connects the center Anatolian region with Istanbul. The Hacıkırı station, approximately 500 meters from the viaduct, is the nearest access point for travelers and tourists.

Cultural Significance and Modern Recognition

In recent years, the Varda Viaduct has evolved from a practical piece of infrastructure to a cultural icon that attracts people from all over the world. Its enormous size and historical significance have garnered it recognition in popular media. The viaduct appeared in the opening pursuit scene of the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, giving its breathtaking visual impact to a global audience. Furthermore, the bridge was heavily featured in the Turkish film Küf (Mold), directed by Ali Aydin and released in 2013, further solidifying its status in Turkish cinema.