On the picture: A (detail of a) ‘sebil’ at the corner of the complex.

A sebil is a kiosk-shaped public fountain, with grilled office-windows where attendants handed fresh water over to the public. Generally a sebil had a cellar, where large blocks of ice were brought in during winter. So, in summer, the drinking water could be cooled before distributing it.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: (amongst others) ‘Guides Bleus: Turquie’ – Edition 1986 & Wikipedia.