The famous fountains of Istanbul are something to see as you explore and wander this great city. There were originally well over 1,000 fountains across the city. However, this number has reduced dramatically to around 400 due to neglect. Each that remains has unique qualities and characteristics.
Ottomans constructed most fountains within the city walls alongside mosques for Muslims to wash and cleanse before they entered a mosque. They were also a charitable donation to people, offering clean drinking water to everyone. People called public Sakas also carried the water to other places.
The water carriers had a busy job as free-flowing water was not everywhere. The fountains also stood near Sebils, manned by an attendant who gave out fruit juice. So, while exploring Istanbul's iconic landmarks, look out for these fountains, which portray the city's celebrated history.
Seven Famous Fountains of Istanbul
1: Sultan Ahmed III Square in Uskudar
In 1728, Ottoman Sultan Ahmet III built this fountain in the Üsküdar district of Asian Istanbul. The beguiling structure, with its polygonal shape and floral patterns, features wording and verses from the poets Shakir, Nedim, and Rahmi. He dedicated the fountain to his mother and originally built it on the shores of the Bosphorus, it was moved in later years to its current position. Today, you can find the fountain in Iskele Square.
2: German Fountain Near the Old Hippodrome
Also called the Alman Çeşmesi, this fountain with golden mosaics commemorates the visit of Emperor Wilhelm II to Istanbul. The structure was later delivered to Istanbul in 1900, to sit in Sultanahmet public square, displaying Neo-Byzantine architecture in a gazebo-shaped appearance with gold mosaics and eight marble pillars. A plaque also celebrates the hospitality of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II to the Emperor.
3: Sultan Ahmet III in Front of Topkapi Palace
In Sultanahmet, opposite Topkapi, one of the most beautiful fountains is the III Ahmet Sebil fountain. Named after the Ottoman Sultan, who built it in 1728, architectural wonders range from hand-painted vases to the roof's underside and floral motifs, which are traditional Islamic decorations called muqarnas. The design marks a change from classic architecture throughout the city to Baroque, from a growing Western influence during the peak Ottoman years.
4: Ablution Fountain in the Hagia Sophia Courtyard
Head from Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia museum to another beautiful fountain built in true Ottoman style. The Ablution is one of Istanbul’s largest and most stunning fountains. The architecture, built by Sultan Mahmud I, displays 16 pieces and bronze taps. A bronze banner says, "We have created everything from water," and eight marble columns support the dome covering the fountain.
5: Esma Sultan and Namazgah in Fatih
In 1781, Esma Sultan, Sultan Ahmet III's daughter, built the fountain and the open-air prayer terrace, also known as a namazgah. Whilst the architecture isn't as elaborate as other fountains, it is still exciting and can be combined with a trip to the Istanbul Photograph Museum.
6: Tophane Mahmud II in Beyoglu
In Beyoglu sits the famous Tophane fountain, built at Sultan Mahmud II's request in 1732. This fountain, in Tophane Square near the renovated hammam, represents the change in architectural preferences from classical to baroque, similar to the III Ahmet Sebil fountain. The historical monument suffered dilapidation over the years; however, after being restored in 2006, it now portrays its former glory, including eaves from the ceiling and ornate etchings carved into the walls.
7: Ayşe Sultan Çeşmesi
Near the Imrahor Mosque on Imrahor Street in Üsküdar is the Ayşe Sultan fountain, which is not as dramatic but still distinctive. It has a red and white arch decorated with rosettes. The fountain was fully functioning until 1940, and there is a verse on the front that says, "Pure water of the fountain of life 1007."
More Historical Fountains
Bereketzade: If you find yourself near the Galata Tower building, the 18th-century Bereketzade Fountain also tells tales of Ottoman Istanbul. The structure was moved to its current location nearly 200 years after being constantly repaired. A nearby signpost expertly explains everything, including the architecture and significance.
Saliha Sultan: Get ready to be impressed by the beauty and story behind this structure. Legends say the mother of Mustafa II was riding about one day when she saw a child crying. Upset that she could not fulfil her duty to take water back home to the family, the mother invited the child and family to Topkapi Palace. The girl eventually married Mustafa II, and remembering her story, her son built the fountain as a dedication to her story.
More Historical Structures of Istanbul
Basilica Cistern: Built during the Byzantine period, the architectural taste of the Basilica Cistern on the historical peninsula is nothing short of amazing. The main form of columns makes this historic building one of Istanbul's top attractions. The independent structure from the classical period was a water source for the old Byzantine palace. However, the main architectural feature is Medusa’s heads at the back.
Historic Mosques: Besides the famous fountains of Istanbul, the cosmopolitan city is well known for the imperial mosques dotted over the seven hills. Alongside Turkish baths, the iconic buildings portray religion's importance in daily Ottoman life. Many mosques are still in use but are open to the public to admire these grand indoor spaces. The blue mosque complex is just one example, along with many others.
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