Treasures of Knowledge from Past to Present: Libraries

Istanbul has been home to many civilizations throughout history and has been a city famous for its cultural richness. An important part of these riches is undoubtedly its libraries.

Istanbul's library culture dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Suleymaniye Library and Beyazit State Library, whose construction coincided with the Ottoman period, are among the oldest and largest libraries in Turkey.  

Although digitalization is at the forefront when we come to the modern age, libraries have a different place in this new age.

Here are 10 libraries in Istanbul that have kept up with the modern age that you must see

1 - Atatürk Library

Atatürk Library, one of the first libraries built in the Republican era, contains more than 500,000 works and is a reference source for local and foreign researchers.

Address: Gümüşsuyu Mahallesi, Miralay Şefikbey Sokak, No: 6; Beyoğlu/İstanbul 

 

 

2 - Beyazit State Library

Beyazıt Library, formerly known as Kütüphane-i Umumi Osmani, is the first library established by the state in the history of the Republic of Turkey. Moreover, this library is one of the first of the modern librarianship practices.

Address: Beyazıt, Çadırcılar Caddesi, No: 34126; Fatih/Istanbul

 

 

3 - Istanbul Research Institute Library

The Istanbul Research Institute Library is a great resource for those who want to do in-depth research on Istanbul.

Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 47; Beyoğlu/Istanbul

 

 

4 - Rami Library

Located in Eyüpsultan, the library was established with the restoration of the Rami Barracks. Offering modern librarianship services, Rami Library is an important point of Istanbul's science, art and cultural life.

Address: Yeni Rami Mahallesi, Rami Kışla Caddesi, No: 98/1; Eyüpsultan/İstanbul

 

 

5 - Boğaziçi University Library

Boğaziçi University Library is one of the libraries preferred by researchers with more than a hundred thousand documents it offers to its visitors.

Address: Boğaziçi University North Campus, Sarıyer

 

 

6 - SALT Research

Admission to SALT Research, which houses unique works on art, architecture, environment and social life, is completely free.

Address: SALT Galata founder Garanti BBVA Bankalar Caddesi 11, Karaköy

 

 

7 - IBB Sabahattin Ali Library

IBB Sabahattin Ali Library in Başakşehir was opened by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality on October 11, 2022 and has a rich collection of 15,000 books.

Address: Altınşehir Mahallesi, Osmanlı Caddesi, No: 49; Başakşehir/İstanbul

 

 

8 - History, Literature and Art Library (TESAK)

The library, which stands out with its historical texture, stands out with its book archive as well as its CD collection and photo archive.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Rıhtım Caddesi, No: 2/3 (Former Presidential Building) Kadıköy / İstanbul

 

 

9 -  Grand Camlica Mosque Library

Opened in 2019, Büyük Çamlıca Mosque Library offers many opportunities for its visitors.

Address: Ferah, Ferah Yolu Sk. No:47, 34692 Üsküdar/Istanbul

 

 

10 - Suleymaniye Manuscript Library

Suleymaniye Manuscript Library, which started to be built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, houses works of art where you can find unique copies of the world.

Address: Süleymaniye, Ayşe Kadın Hamamı Sk. No:27, Fatih