Ekinözü Fountains are two historic Ottoman-era fountains (Soğukpınar and Ağpınar) located in Ekinözü Village in Kovancılar, Elazığ. Belonging to the Halil Bey Foundation, water still flows from them despite being in a neglected condition.
Ekinözü Fountain is actually not a single structure. It consists of two separate fountains belonging to the Halil Bey Foundation: Soğukpınar and Ağpınar (also referred to as Akpınar in some sources). Built during the Ottoman period, the village's historic name was Habab or Hebap. Back then, it was a thriving settlement of 500 households—hard to imagine when looking at today's quiet rural landscape.
Visitors report that water still flows from one of the fountains. Located right next to the Church of the Virgin Mary, it sits at a spot where a dirt path leads down under a bridge. Some visitors find the fountain more intact and interesting than the church, as its stone craftsmanship still stands. However, not everyone shares the same smooth experience. Some travelers mention that while there is a signboard, the location can be hard to find or incorrectly pinned on maps. Reviews also point out that the area suffers from neglect and lack of maintenance, with signs of deterioration over time.
This is not a restored tourist site, but rather raw historic heritage left to time. While Ottoman fountains are common between Karakoçan and Kovancılar, what makes Ekinözü special is its combined setting alongside nearby church and monastery ruins.
Best Time to Visit
Because the village road is unpaved, rainy periods can be challenging. Late spring and autumn months are much more suitable for both road conditions and walking comfort. Shade is scarce around noon during summer, so early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended.
How to Get There
Reaching Kovancılar district from central Elazığ by road is straightforward. From the district center, drive a few more kilometers to Ekinözü Village. Navigation apps might show inaccurate locations once inside the village. The most reliable method is following the Church of the Virgin Mary signboards. The fountains are located near the underside of a bridge, where the dirt road ends.
How Much Time to Allocate
Visiting just the fountains takes about 20-30 minutes. However, since you are in the area, it makes sense to include the nearby Church of the Virgin Mary and the Habap Monastery ruins; planning 1 to 1.5 hours in total is sufficient.
Suggested Itinerary
The most practical sequence is driving to Ekinözü Village via Kovancılar center, visiting the fountains first, followed by the adjacent church and the monastery ruins a short distance away. Returning to central Elazığ on the same day is easily manageable, as the area is not too far from the city center.
Things to Keep in Mind
The structure has not been restored and remains neglected. Some visitors note that the map pin is inaccurate and the sign points toward a dirt path. Asking a local for directions can make things easier. There are no facilities or infrastructure nearby, so water and food should be purchased in Kovancılar beforehand.
Photography Spots
The stone arch details of the fountain and the still-flowing water yield great close-up shots. The dirt path beneath the bridge with the church silhouette in the background works well for wide-angle photos. Morning hours are preferred for lighting, as shadows increase in the afternoon.
Historic Character of the Area
The old name of Ekinözü is Habab or Hebap, mentioned as Havav in Armenian sources. Once a large Ottoman settlement of 500 households, it is a small village today. The combined presence of fountains, church, and monastery ruins points to the area's multi-layered history. Foreign visitors also travel to the village to explore this historic heritage.
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