Aslan-Boğa Mücadele Sahnelerinden İlginç Bir Betimleme: Uşak Aslanlı Çeşme

Abstract

There are two hundred and thirteen fountains belonging to the Ottoman period in Uşak. Floral, geometric, figurative, architectural depictions and motifs containing various objects were generally preferred as decoration elements in Uşak fountains. It has been determined that figural decoration, which is used less than other ornament types in Islamic art, is rarely used in Uşak fountains. The decorations are given in bas relief or scraping technique. The animal figures used in the fountains in the city are animal figures that we can see in nature such as lions, deer, snakes, fish and birds. Apart from these figures, humans are also depicted in only one fountain. Aslanlı Çeşme from the Ottoman period in Hacım Village is the only example among the fountains of Uşak where the lion-bull fight is used in the decoration program. The aim of the study is to compare this depiction with similar examples in Anatolia, despite the limited numbers. The fact that the widespread belief that the water flowing in the lion’s mouth is healing and that the drinker will find healing and strength, which has been seen since ancient times, comes to life in Aslanlı Çeşme, and the meaning attributed to the lion in different cultures and geographies is seen in this village of Anatolia, shows the parallels of an intercultural belief system.