The Bridge of Victory

Following that fateful accident, Grandfather lived a long and happy life. Together with Grandmother, they raised six children. He continued to dress entirely in white and prayed fervently, thanking God every day for the granted chance to live on. When the years finally turned him into a sturdy yet weathered oak, his old head injury resurfaced, ultimately bringing him to his grave. Everyone around said that Mir Ismail always radiated a gentle light and was a true saint. That is exactly how he remained etched in the memory of his children and grandchildren.

The Trans-Iranian Railway became one of the most picturesque in the world, and the Veresk Bridge stood as the pinnacle of glory for the Austrian engineer Walter Aigner. When construction was completed, Reza Shah requested that the Austrian, along with his wife and children, stand beneath the bridge's archway while the first train crossed over it. Walter, who considered this project his greatest life achievement, proudly fulfilled the ruler's request. According to the engineer's last wishes, he was buried at the foot of Veresk. Today, next to his grave, stands a memorial honoring all those who lost their lives during the construction of this bridge and its adjacent tunnels.

The history of the Trans-Iranian Railway remains shrouded in mystery to this day. During World War II, it held strategic importance for many nations. Hitler personally urged the Iranian government to blow up all bridges and tunnels to block military and food aid from the Allies. The Veresk Bridge was at the very top of this hit list. Yet, not a single explosion echoed through Iran. Deeply moved by this fact, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill later dubbed the structure the "Bridge of Victory." Officially, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Roads of Iran, this name was formally adopted on July 14, 1954.

With its grandeur and dramatic history, the legend of the architect Walter Aigner, along with his peaceful grave, has forever merged into one with the silent philosophy of the local castle.