WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, cilt.25, sa.2, ss.1-28, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Timber bridges have existed for nearly as long
as mankind and they have experienced through various designs influenced by
their time and place’s cultural features and innovations in technology. Ancient
bridges have played a crucial role in transportation and community connectivity
throughout history and are characterized by their elegant designs and robust
construction. They stand as permanent reminders of the region’s rich cultural
and architectural legacy, emphasizing their unique architectural and mechanical
features. The present study discusses the various types of timber bridges built
around the world and provides a historical overview of timber bridges in
Türkiye. This study examines a general architectural feature of historical
timber bridges constructed in the region Eastern Black Sea, highlighting their
significance within the context of cultural heritage and engineering practices.
The study also draws attention to the sustainability of cultural heritage in
the conservation and restoration of these historic timber bridges, to raise
awareness about the preservation of such buildings and to encourage the
transfer of traditional construction technology to future generations. This
integration of historical context with contemporary engineering concerns presents
a fresh perspective on the preservation and restoration of these cultural
heritage structures.