Metal lattices of Istanbul sebils between 17th - 19th centuries

Sebil which is a construction used for presenting drinks such as cold water and sherbet on special days like bairams and feasts, also in hot summer days for the purpose of charity, is a special form of structure within the Ottoman period that had developed depending on the water architecture. These water constructions were firstiy called "Sebilhane" then this name was transformed into "sebil" and the early examples of these constructions were seen dating from the 15th century. Hundreds of sebil have been constructed between the 15th and 19* centuries in Istanbul. Sebils which are generally placed on a podium are formed of a marble flashing and work bench, window openings that are formed of a column placed on the work-bench and an arch system, an inscription panel, eaves and an upper cover. On the window openings of the sebils there are railings or lattice-works. Within the scope of the research, the metallic lattice-works of the window openings of the sebils which are constructed in Istanbul between the 17th and 19th centuries, are examined. These lattice-works which appear on the window openings are different from the ones seen in other constructions. In the lower parts of the sebil lattice-works, there are special chambers which are formed of a column and an arch system and which are;enough big for placing the hand and the water-cup. These are called water giving alleys. The railings and lattice-works are prepared with methods of forging or moulding and are made of iron, bronze and brass. The railings and lattice-works in sebils of 17th, 18th and 19th centuries have different compositions and designs depending on the characteristics of the period and the style. The characteristics of the style, the varieties in decorations regarding the art and new appreciations can be clearly seen in these lattice-works. The effect of western cultures that entered in the Ottoman art beginning from the 18th century, has also effected the architecture, the decoration and the lattice-works of the sebils. In general all the changes and the developments in Ottoman art have reflections on the sebils and the lattice-works.IV The lattice-works vary according to their styles as; Classic, Tulip Age, Baroque and Roccoco, Neo-Classic and Empire-Style and other later periods. The other classification method can be applied regarding the compositions as they are formed of geometric designs and vegetal designs. The designs of the lattice-works which clearly from products of art, were prepared by unknown artists and the moulding craftsmen developed the lattice-works depending on these drawings. For every other sebil different lattice-works that suits the window openings, were prepared. An example of lattice-work in a sebil can be hardly seen in another sebil. Except a few lattice-works which show similarity regarding the design and the composition, every sebil lattice-work is different.