Dertli Mustafa Efendi Fountain

The person whose name the fountain bears did not build it, but only had it repaired. Dertli Mustafa Efendi's real name was Süleyman Cemil; he was born in İpsala in 1851, settled in Edirne, and became a wealthy landowner. He also served as a member of the Edirne Provincial Administrative Council. He acquired the nickname "Dertli" after his son Mehmet Nuri was abducted and killed by Bulgarians in 1913. The fountain, named after a man who carried the trace of this pain, is actually one of the last works of a man known for his philanthropy.

It is a four-sided square fountain made of cut stone, with a square base. Each face has three-lobed arches, plain marble mirror stones, and troughs below its modern taps. Above, a flat molding supported by stone corbels rises, and an octagonal reservoir cover sits on top of it. The octagonal corners support a small lead-covered dome. The iron columns and stone capitals at the corners have disappeared over time, but the main body still retains its original form.

As it is an open-air structure visible from the outside, it can be visited at any time of the day. In the morning hours, the light hits the facade more directly, making it more suitable for reading the inscription and taking photographs. Avoiding the midday heat in summer, and visiting in spring and autumn along with the wooded area in Sarayiçi, creates a pleasant route.

The fountain is located near the entrance to the Sarayiçi region. Saraçhane Bridge is 390 meters to the southeast, the ruins of Edirne Palace (Saray-ı Cedid) are 440 meters to the northeast, and Fatih Bridge and Adalet Kasrı are also a few hundred meters away. The Sarayiçi Balkan Martyrs' Cemetery is also within walking distance. It should not be considered a standalone stop but rather as part of a Sarayiçi tour.

For those visiting the historical center of Edirne, it makes sense to walk towards Sarayiçi after visiting the Selimiye Mosque. Stopping at this fountain before crossing Saraçhane Bridge and heading to the ruins of Edirne Palace is a few minutes' break along the way. Those walking along the Tunca River can also easily include it in their itinerary.

The fountain is not actively dispensing water; it is preserved as a historical monument. Since it is in an open area, access is not an issue for visitors with disabilities or strollers. Information panels around the structure may be limited, so reading its story beforehand makes the visit more meaningful.

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