The sabil-kuttab of Nafisa Khatun is a unique example of Ottoman water fountains. It is the fifth sabil established by a woman to dispense water to the public. This sabil is located on al-Sukarya street, past the Zuweila gate and facing the mosque of al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh. It was built in 1211 AH/ 1796 AD, as is indicated on the marble slab above the façade’s central window. The sabil was built in the distinctive Ottoman design, it is semi-circular with three copper windows. Attached to the sabil is a kuttab (school) where children, often poor or orphaned, memorised the Qur’an. A marble plaque above its door reads, “the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, ‘the best of you is the one who learns and teaches the Qur’an.
