Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi

Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi, Edirne is a structure from the Ottoman period of the 20th century located along the Karaağaç route. It was constructed in 1904 (Hijri 1322) through the personal initiative and financial contribution of Hacı Adil Bey, a governor of Edirne. As is customary, the fountain is named after its founder, and locally it is also known as "Meriç Çeşmesi" or "Köprübaşı Çeşmesi" due to its location.^【1】

^{Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi (Edirne)} (Kültür Portal)

The structure was commissioned by Hacı Adil Bey, who served as governor of Edirne during two separate periods, in memory of his son who died young in battle. The martyr’s grave is located in the cemetery of Selimiye Camii. During the period of the fountain’s construction, a branch line of the railway connected to Karaağaç Train Station extended directly to the edge of the Meriç Bridge, then known as İstasyon Meydanı, placing it immediately beside the structure.^【2】

The fountain’s relief and design, reflecting Baroque stylistic elements, were jointly created by Sadrettin Bey, the Director of Waqfs in Edirne at the time, and Dr. Rıfat Osman. The main structure, built on a square mass, is placed on a platform accessible via three steps. Constructed of cut stone, the fountain stands 5.20 meters high and is 4.75 meters wide.^【3】

All four facades of the fountain are architecturally identical. The roof system is designed as a lead-covered broken roof, with a metal finial placed at its highest point. Historical records indicate that a couplet composed by the Üsküdar poet Alaaddin was once inscribed on the fountain’s wall, but it is believed to have been destroyed during the Greek occupation.^{【4】 【5】}

^{Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi (Edirne)} (Kültür Portal)

Located along a cultural tourism route, Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi is currently regarded as the best-preserved historical fountain in the center of Edirne. In 1997, it underwent a comprehensive restoration and repair process carried out by the General Directorate of Waqfs. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it was officially placed under state protection in 2003 with the status of “Immovable Cultural Heritage Requiring First Group Protection.”^【6】