“Sarılmak nekadar güzeldir bilirmisin” someone once wrote here. Do you know how beautiful it is to hug? Let me tell you the story of Göztepe Köprüsü. The writer continued because there is no heart on the right side and it is always empty there. When you hug the right side, his heart fills it. But Göztepe Köprüsü is more than just a place for hugs.
Göztepe Köprüsü is officially known as Göztepe Şehit Kerem Oğuz Erbay Üstgeçidi. It is commonly called Güzelyalı Bridge. This bridge is a 125-meter-long cable-stayed bridge. It stands in İzmir. More specifically it is located in southwest Konak.
This pedestrian overpass spans Mustafa Kemal Coastal Boulevard. It is more than a mere crossing. It is a symbol of Göztepe and its surrounding areas.
Opened in October 1997 Göztepe Köprüsü quickly became a local landmark. In 2010, it was renamed to honor Private Kerem Oğuz Erbay. He died in a terrorist attack in İskenderun.
A moving ceremony was held on the bridge for Erbay and Private Serhat Aslan. Both were İzmir natives and victims of the same attack. The bridge became a memorial.
Göztepe Köprüsü is more than steel and concrete. It is a place where people meet. It is a link between neighborhoods. It is even a backdrop for romance. As one person noted it is a meeting point for lovers. Many bus lines pass through here connecting hearts.
Getting around Göztepe Köprüsü is quite easy. Many transportation options are available. You can hop on a bus a metro or even a minibus.
The nearest bus stop is Fehmı Tokay Caddesi No:18/C. It is just a two-minute walk away. The Göztepe metro station is also close by. It is only a one-minute walk. Several bus lines serve the area. These include 129T 14B 19A 19T and 251.
Life moves quickly on and around Göztepe Köprüsü. Traffic is often heavy especially in the evenings. However this bridge remains a vital artery in İzmir’s transportation network.
So next time you are here take a moment. Look at Göztepe Köprüsü. Think about its history and significance. Think about its role as a meeting point for the community. Consider the words of that commenter. “Sarılmak nekadar güzeldir bilirmisin.” Do you know how beautiful it is to hug? Maybe you will find someone to share a hug with right here on Göztepe Köprüsü.