Libraries in Turkey
Turkey is filled with invaluable cultural and intellectual treasures.
Its libraries house millions of Islamic and heritage books, along with the latest scientific references and publications in various languages.
In this article, we will explore the most famous libraries in Turkey.
Turkish libraries, especially those in Istanbul, are distinguished by their valuable collections of historical manuscripts dating back to the Ottoman era and earlier.
These rare manuscripts traveled great distances from various parts of the Islamic world to finally settle in the Ottoman capital.
The most precious knowledge and rarest books were brought here from all over the world.
Benefits of Libraries
Libraries are among the most important cultural and educational institutions in society.
They offer numerous benefits that contribute to the development of individuals and the community as a whole. Here are some of the key benefits of libraries:
– Diverse Resources: Libraries provide a variety of books, references, and multimedia resources covering different scientific, literary, and cultural fields, enabling individuals to easily access new information and knowledge.
– Ideal Study Environment: Libraries offer an ideal environment for students and researchers, providing study and academic resources that help them complete their research and academic projects.
They also offer educational programs and workshops that enhance students’ and teachers’ skills.
– Language Skills Improvement: Libraries help individuals improve their language skills by providing books and resources in multiple languages, in addition to organizing reading sessions and literary discussions.
– Promoting Reading Habits: Libraries play a significant role in encouraging the habit of reading among people of all ages, which helps expand their horizons and stimulate their imagination.
– Preserving Historical Manuscripts: Libraries work on collecting and preserving rare historical manuscripts and documents, helping to maintain the cultural and historical heritage of the nation.
– Quiet Study Environment: Libraries provide a quiet and comfortable environment for reading and studying, helping individuals focus and increase their productivity.
– Electronic Resources: Modern libraries offer electronic resources such as e-books, scientific journals, and databases, enabling quick and efficient access to information.
– Social Interaction: Libraries serve as social hubs where individuals can participate in cultural activities and social events, enhancing community interaction.
– Specialized Scientific Resources: Libraries provide specialized scientific resources that assist researchers in conducting studies and achieving accurate results, contributing to the development of knowledge and innovation.
– Training Programs: Libraries offer training programs and workshops in various fields such as creative writing, programming, and foreign languages, helping individuals develop new skills.
Famous Historical Libraries in Turkey
Suleymaniye Library
The Suleymaniye Library, located in Istanbul, is one of the most famous and oldest libraries in Turkey.
It was founded during the Ottoman era as a library for the Suleymaniye Mosque and later became a public library in 1918.
It houses a vast collection of old manuscripts and rare books, totaling about 150,000 manuscripts and books, mostly in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian.
This makes it a rich resource for researchers in Islamic sciences, Ottoman history, and other fields.
Beyazit State Library
Established in 1884 as the first public library open to the public under the name the Ottoman Public Library, the Beyazit State Library is one of the oldest libraries in Istanbul.
It is located in the heart of historical Istanbul within the Beyazit Mosque complex and is a primary destination for researchers with its extensive collection of over a million diverse publications in various fields.
In addition to its rich history, Beyazit Library houses a wide range of manuscripts and rare books covering various sciences and knowledge.
The library provides a rich research environment, offering valuable resources for researchers in Islamic, Ottoman, and global history.
Topkapi Library
Founded in 1719 as a private library for the Ottoman palace, the Topkapi Library is one of the most famous libraries in Turkey.
It initially contained precious books and manuscripts and later incorporated the contents of 13 other libraries as part of a policy to consolidate scattered libraries.
Today, it holds about 21,000 books, including 18,000 ancient manuscripts.
Topkapi Library is one of the world’s most important libraries due to its vast knowledge treasures. It houses a rare collection of Islamic manuscripts on various subjects, including jurisprudence, science, philosophy, and literature, featuring original and decorated copies written by renowned Islamic calligraphers.
The library also includes rare copies of the Quran and scientific manuscripts from the Islamic Golden Age.
Ataturk Library
Ataturk Library, located in Beyoglu, Istanbul, is one of the public libraries affiliated with the municipality.
It opens its doors daily to readers and researchers, attracting around 600 visitors daily. The library is uniquely situated on a green hill overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.
Today, Ataturk Library houses about 500,000 works, ranging from important books to maps. Additionally, it holds the largest collection of magazines and newspapers, making it a major center for research and studies.
The library also offers modern digital services, allowing visitors to access its database online and explore a wide range of electronic resources.
This integration of traditional and digital resources makes Ataturk Library an indispensable destination for those seeking knowledge and research in Istanbul.
Sabanci University Sakip Sabanci Museum Library
Founded in 2016 as part of Sabanci University, the Sabanci University Sakip Sabanci Museum Library is one of the largest libraries in Istanbul.
It is located in the Halkali area, covering an area of 13,500 square meters across two floors.
The library contains half a million printed and electronic books, with plans to increase this number to about a million.
The library offers a diverse collection of books in over 15 languages, including Turkish, Arabic, English, French, German, and Ottoman Turkish, among others.
Designed to accommodate 1,500 students and researchers at once, the library provides various facilities that allow visitors to engage in multiple activities.
These facilities include meeting rooms and workshops, making it an ideal environment for study, research, and academic interaction.
In addition to its vast book collection, the library hosts various cultural and academic events, such as lectures, exhibitions, and workshops, contributing to knowledge dissemination and promoting cultural and academic interaction.
Presidential Library in Ankara
The Presidential Library in Ankara is the largest library in Turkey, serving as the capital’s library.
It houses millions of valuable books covering various sciences, making it an ideal destination for science enthusiasts and researchers.
The library’s design combines Seljuk and Ottoman art, with touches of contemporary art.
Construction of the Presidential Library began in 2016, covering a closed area of 125,000 square meters, with a capacity to accommodate 5,000 people at once.
The library contains 4 million printed books, over 120 million electronic publications, more than 550,000 e-books, and a number of rare ancient books.
The library provides a rich environment for research and study, offering a wide range of resources in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and arts.
Additionally, it includes modern facilities such as meeting rooms, workshops, and study halls, making it a vibrant center for academic and cultural activities.
The library also hosts various events, including lectures, seminars, and exhibitions, to enhance cultural and scientific interaction among visitors.
It is equipped with the latest digital technologies, facilitating access to its rich electronic resources online.
Basaksehir Library
Basaksehir Library is classified as one of the largest and most famous modern libraries in Turkey.
Located in the Basaksehir district of Istanbul within a large botanical garden called the People’s Garden, the library spans 2,500 square meters and operates around the clock.
The library houses a vast collection of books and publications, totaling around 100,000 books. These cover a wide range of fields, including philosophical and religious sciences, history, literature, children’s books, and social sciences.
The library is known for its diverse facilities and sections, including a dedicated children’s section and a silent reading area spanning 1,350 square meters.
Additionally, the library offers various facilities for different activities, making it an ideal environment for reading, studying, and cultural activities.
Basaksehir Library is also a vibrant center for learning and research, targeting all segments of society.
This makes it an ideal destination for students, researchers, families, and children.
The library is a valuable addition to Istanbul’s cultural and educational infrastructure, contributing to the dissemination of science and knowledge among all community members.
Libraries in Turkey are cultural and intellectual treasures that combine the richness of history with modernity.
From the historical Suleymaniye Library with its precious manuscripts to the Presidential Library in Ankara with its modern digital resources, these libraries embody the importance of preserving cultural heritage and disseminating knowledge in society.
These libraries are not just buildings that contain books but are living institutions that contribute to intellectual and cultural development.
Turkey continues to build and support these cultural monuments, reaffirming its deep commitment to knowledge and education.
In light of this cultural momentum, Turkish libraries are indispensable destinations for researchers, students, and book lovers, ensuring the continuous flow of knowledge and learning to future generations.