Hamidiye drinking fountain (Hamidiye Çeşmesi ve Sebili)

The public drinking spring opposite the main gate of Gulhane Park (on the map) was built by Sultan Abdul Hamid I in 1775 in the Bahcekapi quarter, next to the Hamidiye Mosque, from which it got its name Hamidiye Çeşmesi ve Sebili. However, during the expansion of the street in 1777, the fountain was dismantled and moved to the Sultan Zeynep Mosque. The building is decorated with columns and Baroque bas-reliefs.

Istanbul. Hamidiye Drinking Fountain

In the upper part there are three-dimensional decorations that imitate vegetation and quotes from the Koran on the panels. The kiosk's large windows are covered with patterned bars.

Istanbul. Hamidiye Drinking Fountain

Now there is no water in the spring. You can quench your thirst only for money, at a kiosk. However, it is quite inexpensive and at any time of the day or night. In any case, I have never seen it closed even after midnight.

Istanbul. Hamidiye Drinking Fountain