Beyazıt State Library, Public library in Beyazıt Square, Turkey
The Beyazıt State Library occupies two historical buildings facing Beyazıt Square, positioned near the Grand Bazaar and the Beyazıt Mosque in Istanbul. The facility houses reading rooms, research spaces, and digital resources spread across these structures.
The facility was founded in 1884 during the Ottoman period and became one of Turkey's first state-established libraries. It played a key role in collecting and safeguarding written materials for future generations.
The library maintains extensive collections of manuscripts, newspapers, and rare books that document Turkish literary and academic heritage. These holdings reflect centuries of intellectual and cultural history across the region.
The library operates around the clock and welcomes students, academics, and general visitors. Note that the two buildings are accessed through separate entrances and may focus on different collection areas.
In the early 1900s, several cats lived in the library to control rodents, creating an unexpected connection to Istanbul's feline presence. This practice served as a practical solution before modern pest control became available.
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