Ekinözü Fountain consists of two historical Ottoman-era fountains, Soğukpınar and Ağpınar, located in Ekinözü Village, part of Elazığ's Kovancılar district; these fountains belong to the Halil Bey Foundation and still have flowing water but are in a neglected state.
Ekinözü Fountain is not actually a single structure. It consists of two separate fountains belonging to the Halil Bey Foundation: Soğukpınar and Ağpınar (Akpınar in some sources). Built during the Ottoman period, the old name of the village was Habab or Hebap. At that time, it was a settlement of 500 households, hard to imagine from today's quiet village scenery.
Visitors say that water still flows from inside one of the fountains. It is located right next to the Church of Mother Mary, at a point where a dirt road descends towards under the bridge. Some visitors find the fountain more robust and interesting than the church, its stonework still standing. But not everyone has the same experience. There are also those who say that there is a sign but the place cannot be found, or that the location is incorrectly marked. There are also comments complaining that the region is neglected and abandoned, and that things are deteriorating with each visit.
This is not a restored tourist stop. It is a historical texture left to its own devices. Such Ottoman fountains are common between Karakoçan and Kovancılar, but what makes Ekinözü special is the whole it forms with the nearby church and monastery ruins.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Elazığ, Historical Places, Historical places in Elazığ, Sori Waterfall.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
Since the village road is dirt, rainy periods can be challenging. Late spring and autumn months are more suitable for both road conditions and walking comfort. In summer, there is little shade in the area during midday, so morning or late afternoon can be preferred.
How to Get There
Access from Elazığ city center to Kovancılar district by road is easy. From the district, it's a few more kilometers to Ekinözü Village. Once inside the village, navigation apps can sometimes show incorrect locations. The most reliable method is to follow the Church of Mother Mary sign. The fountains are near under the bridge, at the end of the dirt road.
How Much Time to Allocate
Just seeing the fountains takes 20-30 minutes. But since you've come all this way, it makes sense to also include the Church of Mother Mary and the Habap Monastery ruins; in this case, planning 1-1.5 hours is sufficient.
Suggested Route
Going to Ekinözü Village via Kovancılar center, visiting the fountains first, then the church right next to it, and then the monastery ruins a little further on is the most practical order. Returning to Elazığ city center on the same day is easy, as the region is not too far from the city.
Things to Consider
The structure has not been restored and is in a neglected state. Some visitors state that the location marker is wrong and the sign directs to a dirt road. Getting directions from a local can make things easier. There is no infrastructure around the area; water and food should be obtained from Kovancılar.
Photo Spots
The stone arch details of the fountain and the still-flowing water yield good results in close-up shots. The dirt road under the bridge and the church silhouette in the background are suitable for wide-angle shots. Morning hours can be preferred for light, as shadow formation increases in the afternoon.
Historical Fabric of the Region
The old name of Ekinözü is Habab or Hebap, referred to as Havav in Armenian sources. Once a large settlement of 500 households during the Ottoman period, it is now a small village. The fountains, church, and monastery ruins together point to the region's multi-layered past. It is stated that foreign visitors also come to the village to see this historical fabric.
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