Kütüphane Troleybüs, Historic library in Beyazıt, Turkey
Kütüphane Troleybüs is a two-story stone building with industrial architectural features located near Istanbul University in the Beyazıt district. The structure now holds around 20,000 books and functions as a public library serving students and local residents.
Built in 1912 as a power station for Istanbul's trolleybus system, the structure powered the city's public transportation network for decades. When trolleybus service ended in 1984, the building was repurposed and has since served the community in a completely different role.
The building reflects how a forgotten industrial space has been given new meaning in the neighborhood, drawing students and readers who would not have known its former purpose. The contrast between its solid stone exterior and the quiet scholarly activity inside shows how community spaces can evolve.
The library sits right next to Istanbul University's walls and is easy to find while walking through the area. Expect it to be busier during study hours, especially when students use it as a space to read and work on assignments.
The building visibly retains much of its original machinery and technical installations, which visitors can still see on the exterior and inside certain spaces. These industrial details tell the story of its former purpose in a way that words alone cannot convey.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
