This is an interesting article about the historic Tophane area of Istanbul, which, the writer neglects to mention, is also prime Carpetdog habitat.
Stage for social life
One of the first structures encountered at Tophane apart from the Nusretiye mosque is the impressive fountain that occupies the corner of the square opposite the mosque.
Erected in 1732, the richly decorated, monumental fountain was the end of one of the water pipes leading downhill from Taksim.
In contrast to the solemn, military atmosphere of the nineteenth century, in the eighteenth century Tophane Square was lively and populated, dominated by the fountain at its center and surrounded by large trees. Travelers busily arrived and departed at the ports, goods were sold at market stalls on the square, women strolled with their children and men relaxed at the fountain.
