Sultan Ahmed III Fountain (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality)

 Baroque (architecture), drinking fountain, 1720s construction

Constructed in 1729, this fountain is located to the right side of the Ayasofya Mosque and in front of the Sultan's Gate of Topkapi Palace. It is a good example of Turkish rococo architecture, is square in shape with an overhanging roof made of lead.
A fountain is found in each of the four corners and above each tap is a calligraphic inscription in gold, on a blue/green background in honour of the fountain and its founder. The lead dome is topped by five small domes and the entire structure is richly decorated with floral designs, ornate inscriptions and beautiful examples of calligraphy written in gold letters.
The windows are enclosed with ornate marble grilles.
Ottoman fountains do not spout jets of water, they are more like ornate public taps! Sometimes there was a counter where refreshments could be served. Passer -bys to this fountain would have been offered sherbets and flavoured waters in silver goblets instead of the customary iced water..