descriptionDescription

A significant complex of structures reflecting the historical fabric of Aydın, which met both educational and water needs.

auto_storiesStory

Fatma Hanım Primary School and Afife Hanım Fountain, located in the center of Aydın, are beautiful examples of Ottoman-era civil architecture. This complex of structures dates back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Primary schools (sıbyan mektepleri) were the first educational institutions during the Ottoman Empire where children were taught basic religious and moral knowledge, as well as reading and writing. Fatma Hanım Primary School served the education of children in the region as part of this tradition. The architecture of the school features characteristics of traditional Turkish houses of the period, typically being single or two-story, with a courtyard and a simple structure. Local materials were used in the construction of the building, and the wood and stone craftsmanship is noteworthy. The Afife Hanım Fountain, located next to the school, was built to meet the water needs of the public. Fountains were an integral part of the Ottoman urban fabric, holding great importance both aesthetically and functionally. The Afife Hanım Fountain is also a structure reflecting the characteristics of fountain architecture of its period, typically made of marble or stone, with an ornamented niche. The inscription on the fountain provides information about the founder and construction date of the structure, but...

tips_and_updatesVisit Tips

• Examine the exterior architecture and details of the structures.
• Explore the general fabric of the region by visiting other historical structures nearby.
• Try to find suitable angles for photography.
• You can learn more about the structures by talking to the local people.
• Show respect for silence and the environment during your visit.