The Islamic tradition of building water fountains in the Crimea

Abstract

The cultural traditions of the Crimean Tatars, who have a long history stretching back over many centuries, have had a considerable influence on the art of many of the confessional groups of the Crimea. At present, these traditions require the restoration and relearning of long forgotten technologies to reveal their peculiarities of artistic language and style, together with a renewal of folk traditions in modern art. We can add the Islamic manner of building water fountains to such traditions. In all Muslim countries, especially in those of desert countries, water has had great significance, ‘clean’ running water being the most important.