Istanbul fountains (1808-1876): Facade designs and ornamental features

The subject of the study is the fountains constructed in Istanbul between the years 1808 and 1876. The facade designs and ornamental features of the fountains belonging to this period were examined, and the fountains in question were evaluated in terms of the discipline of art history within the general trends of the period. Within the scope of the study, a total of forty-four fountains were identified, twenty-four from the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, sixteen from the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid, and four from the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. These fountains located in the districts of Fatih, Beşiktaş, Sarıyer, Eyüpsultan, Üsküdar, Kadıköy and Silivri were examined on site, their photographs were taken in detail, and their analyses were carried out using the cataloging method along with surveying, restoration and restitution projects. The design processes of the fountains were evaluated holistically by examining their facade designs, ornamental features, typologies, technical materials, structural elements, locations, artists, patrons, tughras, inscriptions and dating in detail. Among the fountains, there are those that have preserved their originality completely, while there are also fountains that have been partially altered. In the study, the changes and repairs in question were revealed, the designs were interpreted in detail, and the period of some fountains with unknown dates was determined by shedding light on dating problems. Reflections of styles such as Empire, Baroque, Rococo and Eclectic (Mixed) were examined in the fountains, which were classified according to their location and purpose of construction. Detailed examination of facade designs and ornamental features, presentation of fountain typology and stylistic analysis make this study original.