Sabil Bab al-Silsila

Jerusalem

Sabil Bab al-Silsila, that abuts the wall of al-Turba al-Sa'diyya to the west, and faces the square of Bab al-Silsila, is only 7m from the main gate of al-Haram al-Sharif (of the same name). It is one of the sabils (water fountains) built by Sultan Sulayman I in Jerusalem during the 16th century. The sabil is of a rectangular shape with a recessed niche framed by a pointed arch. The niche is decorated by a rosette, taken as a spolia from a crusader rose window. The rosette is cut by the foundation inscription that date the construction to the year of 1537. At the bottom of the niche there is a highly decorated trough that is likely to be a re-used sarcophagus, like in the case of other sabils and basins in Jerusalem.

Sources:

Natsheh, Yusuf. "Architectural Survey." In Ottoman Jerusalem: The Living City 1517-1917, (Sylvia Auld and Robert Hillenbrand, eds.), 685-687. London: Altajir World of Islam Trust II, 2000.