Special for National Book Lovers Day: The Historical Libraries of İstanbul

İstanbul, the capital of culture and art, is an essential destination for book enthusiasts with its historical libraries that bear traces of the past. This enchanting city, which inspires novels, preserves the deep-rooted past of İstanbul on the dusty shelves of its libraries.

Perhaps you have passed by these historical libraries many times without noticing them, or perhaps their silence draws you in, inviting visitors on a journey into the depths of time. In this article that is special to National Book Lovers Day, the holiday of book enthusiasts, we are going to explore the historical libraries of İstanbul!

 

The Finest Example of Baroque Architecture: The Süleymaniye Manuscript Library

The Süleymaniye Manuscript Library is part of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, commissioned by Mimar Sinan by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. When the complex was built, there was no separate library building. However, it is known that a few years after its opening, some works from the Topkapı Palace library were brought here, thus laying the foundations of the library.

The Süleymaniye Manuscript Library, which took its current form in the 20th century with the conversion of the first and second madrasah buildings into libraries, houses a valuable collection of manuscripts and printed works. If you are interested in history, especially the Ottoman period, you should definitely visit this structure, which reflects Ottoman architecture and bears traces of the 16th century. While examining works from the era of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and manuscripts by great scholars like Ibn Sina and Biruni in the library, a small journey back to the Ottoman era is just a moment away!

 

Nuruosmaniye Library

As you walk through Eminönü, you will encounter Nuruosmaniye Library, one of the oldest libraries that bears witness to the history of the city. If you are a true bookworm, you might find yourself lost among the hundreds of rare works here!

Although the idea for the library dates back to the final years of Sultan Mahmud I’s reign, its construction was completed in 1755 during the reign of his brother, Sultan Osman III. Named after its founder, Osman III, Nuruosmaniye Library houses rare manuscripts and countless works on various subjects, including history, geography and philosophy. If you would like to check out both valuable works and witness the traces of Baroque architecture, you can head to Fatih and visit Nuruosmaniye Library.

 

Beyazıt State Library

Another destination steeped in history is the Beyazıt State Library, which holds the title of “the first state library.” Founded during the reign of Abdulhamid II, this library not only became the first national library in Turkey but also pioneered many firsts, including the first bookbinding workshop and the first children’s library. For this reason, it is also known as the “library of firsts.”

Housing countless works, books, magazines and materials, the Beyazıt State Library is open 24/7. This charming library, where you will feel both the traces of the past and the modern elements of today from the moment that you step inside, also dazzles with its impressive architecture.

 

Atatürk Library

Among the historic libraries of İstanbul, the history of Atatürk Library dates back to the early years of the Republic. Founded in 1924, the library is also significant as one of Turkey’s first steps toward modernization. The Atatürk Library provides its visitors with not only an abundant collection of books but also an unmatched sea scenery. Every book that is read alongside the tranquility of the deep blue sea can transport the mind to completely different realms.

Carrying the imprint of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in every corner, the Atatürk Library offers visitors a unique reading experience, escaping the bustle of İstanbul. Visit the Atatürk Library for free and you can immerse yourself in the silence of the sea and immerse yourself in the magical world of books!

 

İstanbul Research Institute Library

As you travel through the historic streets of Fatih towards Pera, you can also visit the İstanbul Research Institute Library on Meşrutiyet Street, a witness to thousands of years of history of İstanbul. This research library offers comprehensive and valuable resources, especially for those studying İstanbul.

The İstanbul Research Institute Library, where you can check out countless works from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Republican periods, is a wonderful opportunity for those who would like to delve deeper into the history of the city.

 

Top Off Your Book-Filled Journey at the Pera Palace Hotel!

After wandering through the invaluable libraries and getting lost in the books, how about a pleasant break in the peaceful atmosphere of the Pera Palace Hotel? If the answer is “Yes!” Pera Palace Hotel, one of the most special buildings in İstanbul, home to a deep-rooted history, is the ideal place to transform this journey into a unique experience.

The hotel, home to traces of the past in every corner, provides you with a variety of delicious snacks in its cafes and restaurants and savor the historical atmosphere with a delicious cup of coffee. Escape the hustle and bustle of the day by staying in rooms that will transport you back in time. For an extraordinary day that is immersed in history, contact the Pera Palace Hotel and make your reservation right away.

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