Muhtar Bey Fountain in Giresun, Türkiye, is a free-to-visit ornate Ottoman fountain built in 1915 with a German design, featuring marble inscriptions and a pyramidal dome.
In Gedikkaya Neighborhood, at the corner where Atatürk Boulevard and Nihat Bey Street intersect, stands a small but ornate structure. Muhtar Bey Fountain, according to its inscription, was built in 1915 by Muhtar Bey, the Commander of the 94th Regiment of that period. Since the fountain's project was brought from Germany by Gazi Muhtar Ahmet Pasha, it has been known among the people of Giresun as the German Fountain for years. Its official name, however, remains Muhtar Bey Fountain.
With its nearly square plan, four facades, and classification as an independent fountain group, it is a typical example of a late Ottoman period fountain. The rectangular marble inscription, located in the middle of the second stone row from the top, is written in Thuluth script and bordered by a floral wreath. The upper corners of the inscription feature crescent moon motifs, while the lower corners have star motifs. A pyramidal stone dome covers the fountain, topped with a twisted finial. The original spout has changed over time, and today's spout is made of modern material.
The structure was registered on 14.02.1986 by the Trabzon Regional Board for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. It is not a grand monument, but it serves as a landmark for a break during a walk in Giresun city center.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Fountain
According to its inscription, the fountain was built in 1915 (Rumi 1331) by Muhtar Bey, the Commander of the 94th Regiment of that period. The fact that its project was brought from Germany by Gazi Muhtar Ahmet Pasha led to its popular name, the German Fountain. Both names are used interchangeably today, but the official name in records is Muhtar Bey Fountain.
Architectural Details and Photography
This is an independent fountain with a nearly square plan and four facades. The rectangular marble inscription, located in the middle of the second stone row from the top, is written in Thuluth script and surrounded by a floral wreath. The upper corners of the inscription feature crescent moon motifs, while the lower corners have star motifs. A pyramidal stone dome covers the top of the fountain, and a twisted finial sits on top of the dome. The original spout has changed over time, and today's spout is made of modern material. For those who want to capture the inscription details, midday hours when sunlight directly hits are more suitable.
How to Get There?
The fountain is located in Giresun city center, in Gedikkaya Neighborhood, at the corner where Atatürk Boulevard and Nihat Bey Street intersect. It is possible to reach it by walking from the city center. For those traveling by car, finding parking nearby is usually not a problem.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Since it is a small structure, 10-15 minutes is sufficient. It can be added as a short stop within a Giresun city center tour; it does not constitute a standalone route.
Other Stops Nearby
Thanks to its central location, it can be visited along with Giresun Castle, the coastline, or other historical structures in the city center. It is logical to add it as a short break point to your walking route.
Things to Consider
The fountain is outdoors, with no visiting hour restrictions. However, since it is located at a street corner, care must be taken with traffic when taking photos. It is best to observe the structure without touching it, remembering that it is a registered cultural heritage site.
Budget Note
The visit is completely free. It does not incur any extra costs, only the time allocated for transportation.
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