Fatima Hanim Fountain (Kurtlu Fountain)

Located in the Ergene neighborhood at the II. Yaka locality, the Fatima Hanim Fountain was built in 1868 in the name of Fatima Hanim, daughter of Evliyazade Haci Mustafa Aga of Izmir. The square-plan structure is also known as "Kurtlu Fountain" today. It is one of the rare charitable fountains commissioned through women's donations during the Ottoman period.

Introduction

The Fatıma Hanım Fountain is situated on 502nd Street in the II. Yaka locality of the Ergene neighbourhood of Bornova.

Built at the beginning of the month of Receb in the year 1285 (17 October 1868) in the name of Fatıma Hanım, daughter of the İzmir notable Evliyazâde Hacı Mustafa Ağa, the structure holds a special place among Ottoman charitable fountains in Bornova endowed by women.

Architectural Features

Plan type: Square-plan, single-faced fountain.
Materials: Dressed stone (original); today clad in tiles.
Roof: Reinforced concrete (later interventions).
Location: Leaning against the wall of house number 72.
Spout and trough: Below road level.

Of the original architecture, only two inscriptions have survived to the present day. The front and left faces bear inscriptions with the same content arranged in different layouts.

Inscription Text

"fî gurre-i Receb sene 1285 /

Sâhibü'l-hayrât ve'l-hasenât İzmirî /

Evliyazâde Hacı Mustafa Ağa kerimesi /

Fatıma Hanım ruhuna Fatiha."

These words indicate that the fountain was built under the patronage of a female benefactress.

Folk Narrative and Local Name

According to information from local residents, the fountain is also known as "Kurtlu Çeşme" (Leech Fountain).

It is recounted that in earlier times water flowed abundantly from the fountain, but that the supply was cut off as a result of urbanisation.

The leeches observed around the fountain are said to be the origin of this name.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Date of construction: 1868 (Hijri 1285)
Donor: Fatıma Hanım
Immovable Cultural Property No.: 17752558

This fountain is one of the earliest charitable structures in Bornova left to the urban memory by Ottoman-era women.

Although it has lost its function owing to the drying up of water sources and increasing urbanisation, together with its inscriptions it remains a silent witness to Bornova's water-culture heritage.

Conservation Status

The structure has partially lost its original character through concrete roof and tile cladding interventions. However, the survival of the inscriptions ensures the preservation of its identity and historical value.