Flash floods threaten collapse of historic Ottoman bridge in Haditha

ANBAR — Flash floods in Haditha, western Anbar, have exacerbated structural damage to the historic Ottoman-era bridge in Wadi Hajlan, sparking concerns about its potential collapse.

The bridge, which was last restored in the 1990s, has developed significant cracks and fractures, as seen in a video obtained by 964media.

Haditha District Mayor Abbas Hussein Farhan confirmed that the recent floods have worsened the bridge’s condition, making emergency restoration a critical priority.

Anbar Provincial Council Chairman Omar Mashaan Daboos and Governor Mohammed Nouri visited the site to evaluate the damage and discuss preservation efforts.

“A team has been directed to assess and restore the bridge under the existing guidelines of Haditha’s Antiquities Department, which requires no modifications to any historical structure without official approvals,” Farhan told 964media.

He noted that the Haditha Antiquities Department has been instructed to coordinate with the General Antiquities Department to prepare for emergency restoration while awaiting the final Anbar Provincial report.

Baha Yassin, Director of the Cultural Center in Haditha, highlighted the bridge’s historical and cultural significance. “The Ottoman bridge, locally known as the ‘Hajlan Bridge,’ is not just a functional structure but also a major archaeological site and tourist attraction,” he said.

The bridge’s architectural design features Abbasid-style arches and over 11 openings of varying heights, making it a unique landmark.

Archival photographs from 1917 show the bridge being used by British occupation forces. “It serves as a vital link between Haditha’s city center and the Haqlaniyah subdistrict,” Yassin added.