Do you know anything about Sebilj, the wooden fountain in the heart of Baščaršija?

In the heart of the old part of Sarajevo stands one of the most famous objects in the city – Sebilj, a symbol of the city’s rich history, culture, and community.

This beautiful wooden fountain, located on the main square of Baščaršija, bears witness to the spirit of Sarajevo throughout the ages and remains an unmissable point for visitors and citizens.

Sebilj, Bascarsija, Photo: Adria.fun

Sebilj is a word of Turkish origin that means a place where water is given. Its original intended character was to provide free water to travelers and passers-by, thus becoming a symbol of hospitality and humanity.

In Sarajevo during the Ottoman period, there were several sebiljs, some sources say as many as 300 of them, but in a fire in 1697, all Sarajevo sebiljs’ were destroyed. The only remaining sebilj is located in Baščaršija, and its present form was built in 1913.

Sebilj, Bascarsija, Photo: Oğuzhan Edman, Unsplash

Sebilj is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, with characteristic wooden columns and a roof. Its architectural elegance attracts the attention of everyone who visits Baščaršija, where Sebilj is proudly located as a recognizable symbol of the city.

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This fountain is also a gathering place for artists, street musicians, merchants, and tourists, creating a colorful atmosphere that revives the spirit of Sarajevo.

Sebilj, Bascarsija, Photo: Inera Isovic, Unsplash

Sebilj also plays a key role in many local legends and stories passed down from generation to generation.

Many people of Sarajevo believe that whoever drinks the water from Sebilj will visit the city again, which is an additional reason why this place is always alive and full of positive energy.

Sebilj, Baščaršija, Photo: Adria.fun

Today, Sebilj is more than a fountain – it has become a cultural monument and a symbol of unity in multicultural Sarajevo. See you there, right?