Malan Bridge Travel Guide

Malan Bridge, historically known as Pul-i-Malan, stands as a testament to Herat's rich past, gracefully arching over the Hari River [4, 7]. Constructed around 1110 AD during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Ahmad Sanjar, the bridge has served as a vital artery for trade, communication, and cultural exchange [3, 4].Legend says mythical princesses Bibi Nur and Bibi Hur, followers of Zoroastrianism, built the bridge around AD 900. They mixed eggshells with clay, creating a resilient structure [3, 4, 7, 13]. The bridge originally featured 17 arches, but now has 22 due to reconstructions [4]. It stretches 230 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 10 meters high, constructed from baked bricks and concrete [3, 4].Throughout its history, Malan Bridge has faced numerous challenges, including floods and wars [4]. It was partially destroyed during the Soviet-Afghan War, but was rebuilt in 1995 by the Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees [3, 4]. Today, Malan Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the enduring spirit of Herat [4, 7]. Visitors can stroll across its ancient stones and take in the views [7].