Sheikh Mueyyed Fountain
It is also known as the Asmalı Fountain.
- Type
- Fountain
- Century
- 14th century, 18th century
- Status
- Accessible
According to the inscription found in the western corner of the rectangular pediment of the Şeyh Müeyyed Fountain, the structure dates to 1390. This is an exceptional situation, as fountain inscriptions are generally found either within the fountain niche or on the fountain arch. The construction of fountains with round arches in Kayseri began in the 18th century. Similarly, the deformed vegetal ornamentation on the column capitals and the double-arched design of this fountain are also a practice that began in the 18th century. The arrangement of the colonettes within the fountain niche and the oval panels above the taps are also examples of practices that appear from the early 19th century.
Consequently, the fountain, whose inscription indicates that it was built by Sheikh Mueyyed in 1390 and may have been located on the site of the current fountain or elsewhere, was demolished for an unknown reason. The inscription of the original fountain was likely placed in the upper left corner of the current fountain, built in the early 19th century. Sheikh Mueyyed was the nephew of Qadi Burhaneddin Ahmed and the governor of Kayseri, who served in Kayseri in the late 14th century. In 1396, he rebelled against Qadi Burhaneddin Ahmed, of whom he was a nephew.
There are symbolic bosses placed on the keystone of the outer large arch and on the corners of the rectangular pediment. A marble inscription measuring 0 x 98 m. was placed on the western corner of the rectangular pediment. Meaning:
“This fountain, which flows as a source, was built by the just, knowledgeable, statesman Sultan Ahmed, the proof of religion and the world, during the days of his reign - may Allah exalt his proof. (This fountain) appeared in one of the months of the year 792 (1390) by the hand of Sheikh Mueyyed, the beloved emir, the victor of religion and the state - may his state increase. These are the alms of the friend of the sultanate (Sultan).”
References: Mustafa Denktaş, Historical Water Structures (Fountains, Baths) in Kayseri, Kayseri 2000, pp.105-108.
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