On the picture: The upper part of a ‘sebil’, which bears a long calligraphic inscription. It dates from around 1720.

A sebil is a kiosk-shaped public fountain, with office-windows where attendants handed fresh water over to the public. Generally a sebil had a cellar, where large blocks of ice were brought in during winter. So, in summer, the drinking water could be cooled before distributing it.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: Websites of ‘istanbuluseyret.com’ – ‘istanbuldakicamiler.com’
& ‘Guides Bleus: Turquie’ – Edition 1986 .