Sebilj

Age: –
Period: Ottoman Empire
Author: –
Type: Fountain made of natural stone and wood
Status: Protected
Functionality: In function
Water quality: Drinkable water
Bibliography: Kreševljaković, H. (1939). Vodovodi i gradnje na vodi u starom Sarajevu. Sarajevo: Gradska štedionica općine grada Sarajevo.

The Sebilj fountain is located in the central square of Baščaršija and is the most famous fountain in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kreševljaković explained that there are three meanings of the word ‘sebili’: the first and simplest translates to ‘way’; the second means ‘a building along the way where travelers can find drinking water’; and the third translates to ‘water that a certain servant carries from the waqf to supply travelers for free on the streets’ (Kreševljaković, 1939). He wrote that there were once about 300 fountains like Sebilj in Sarajevo, but all perished in the terrible fire of 1697. He also mentioned that a similar fountain was built in 1753, 5 meters lower than the location where Sebilj stands today. He explained that this old sebilj was demolished in 1891 to build a new one in the same place, and this new sebilj was moved in 1913 to the location where it most likely remains today, unless it has been moved since then. Sebilj is an octagonal prism-shaped structure made of wood, stone, and copper. It is elevated on an octagonal platform accessed by several steps. The pedestal is made of stone, while the rest of the fountain is made of wood—the faces of Sebilj are made of solid and perforated wooden panels, and the roof has a dome covered with copper. On opposite sides of the fountain, there are two functional horizontal spouts that provide a constant flow of water. Below both spouts are stone troughs shaped like rectangular prisms. Apart from the discoloration on the face of the fountain below the spouts and within the troughs, the entire area around Sebilj is maintained relatively well and is often visited by tourists and local residents. Due to the cultural significance of Sebilj, it is recommended that it be cleaned more regularly and frequently.

Location: St. Baščaršijska pp 23


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