Sebil

A sebil or sabil is a small kiosk where water is freely dispensed to members of the public. Historically, it is a structure of both civic and religious importance in Muslim cities, most characteristically under the Ottoman Empire, but also in other regions and periods such as Mamluk Cairo. It is sometimes also used to refer to simple fountains for drinking water. Sebils were built at crossroads, in the middle of city squares, and on the outside of mosques and other religious complexes throughout the Ottoman Empire to provide drinking water for travelers and enable ritual purification before prayer.