Architectural Features and Conservation Issues of Adjacent Public Fountains and Built-in Fountains (Abdestlik) in the Province of Bitlis

Abstract

Located in Eastern Anatolia, Bitlis is among Türkiye's provinces with the highest precipitation. Heavy snowfall and prolonged snow cover enhance groundwater recharge, supporting a stable water supply. Historically a frontier settlement, Bitlis preserves a rich heritage of water structures -baths, bridges, and fountains- reflecting the legacy of past civilizations. In the city center of Bitlis, 22 fountains are registered as immovable cultural assets by the Van Regional Board for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Additionally, there are adjacent or built-in fountains located within registered structures that have not been individually registered. These fountains, which once added comfort and value to the buildings they were part of, have now become a source of various structural problems. Over time, fountains in neglected buildings deteriorate, while at the same time, water-related damage from the fountains accelerates the decay of the structures. In addition to the 4 independent registered fountains adjacent the structure, 8 adjacent and 5 built-in the registered building fountains will be evaluated within the scope of this study. The characteristics of these fountains in Bitlis will be examined, and a typological comparison will be conducted. The conservation issues arising from the abandonment of buildings and the impact of conservation issues on the abandonment process will be evaluated through observational analysis. The findings obtained will serve as a basis for future conservation efforts aimed at preserving these fountains.