The Story Behind Istanbul's Beautiful Water Fountains

All around Istanbul, visitors can come across historic fountains that stand out with their ornate stone carvings and beautiful eaves and domes. Built as a generous act of providing people with water, no matter where they were in the grand city, these fountains continue to remind Istanbul of its past.

Even though many of Istanbul’s fountains no longer refresh its citizens with cool water from their golden faucets, they are still a stunning sight to behold, almost hidden away within a rapidly growing cosmopolis. Built to provide citizens with a refreshment, as well as to serve as a decoration, the fountains of Istanbul continue to tell their story to anyone who stops to inspect them. One of the city’s most famous fountains is the German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square, which was built between 1889 and 1901 as a symbol of the commemoration of Emperor Wilhelm II’s second visit to Istanbul. Certainly one of the most original fountains in Istanbul, the German Fountain stands out with its giant dome and columns while the grand Sultanahmet Mosque looms behind it.

Right nearby is the Fountain of Ahmed III, which was built between 1728 and 1729 replacing an old Byzantine fountain. The giant structure stands out with its ornately decorated roof and façade that feature floral patterns, colourful tiles, arch stones and beautiful hand-drawn calligraphy. Even though these two fountains stand out with their magnificence, accentuated further through their large size, the smaller fountains that can be found all over the city, whether it’s a quiet side street off bustling Istiklal Avenue or on the side of a busy road, they are a constant reminder of how Istanbul’s rich past can be observed constantly if you pay close attention.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.