Fountain of Ahmed III, Istanbul

Right outside the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace stands one of Istanbul’s most glamorous refreshment stops of the 18th century: the Fountain of Ahmed III. Before this beauty emerged in 1728, there was a humble Byzantine fountain on the spot — but Sultan Ahmed III clearly felt the neighborhood deserved an upgrade. So, he ordered a showpiece in full Turkish Rococo style, and the result became the Ottoman equivalent of a stylish social hub. Think of it as the place to chat, be seen, and sip something cool — long before iced lattes came into fashion...

Architecturally, it’s a delightful mash-up. A kind of grand square kiosk topped with smaller domes, as if the building is proudly wearing a crown with matching accessories. Foliate and floral motifs swirl across the walls, and each of the four sides features its own decorative niche (shaped a bit like a mosque’s mihrab) and, of course, a drinking fountain. Inside, there’s even a small space for an attendant, because excellent service was a must when distributing water and sherbet to the public completely free of charge. That’s right: the Ottomans were doing community hydration long before trendy water stations became a thing.

Look up, and you’ll see elegant calligraphic panels bordered with red and blue tiles, turning the act of quenching your thirst into a poetic moment. The fourteen-line verses are dedicated to the beauty of water — courtesy of 18th-century poet Seyyid Vehbi — because naturally, even refreshment deserved fine literature.

So, as you pass by this ornate fountain, imagine the chatter of courtiers, the splash of water, and the pride of a sultan who wanted to make everyday life just a little more fabulous...