Asam Library is one of the most important libraries in Turkey. Turkey hosts a large collection of public libraries that provide services to students, some dating back to the Ottoman era, like Istanbul University’s library, while others are newly established, such as the Nation’s Library in Ankara.
Asam Library: Home to 63,000 Arabic Books
Located in Istanbul’s Asian side, Asam Library is one of the largest central libraries providing comprehensive services to students in Turkey. Situated in the Bağlarbaşı area of Üsküdar, the library was founded in 1984 and is officially affiliated with Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs.
Asam Library in Istanbul is among the largest Turkish libraries, boasting an extensive collection of Arabic books across various disciplines. It holds tens of thousands of titles in fields such as religious studies, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, Islamic economics, history, literature, heritage, as well as social and natural sciences.
The Asam Library in Istanbul houses works in eight different languages. Turkish-language books form the largest portion of the collection, with 133,861 books, followed by Arabic books at 63,604, and English books numbering approximately 33,175. The library also contains Ottoman manuscripts and volumes, estimated at around 15,626 books. Additionally, it includes around 8,123 German books, while Persian books, the fewest in number, total about 6,024.
Services Offered by Asam Library
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Asam Library’s Director, Mr. Birol Ulkar, stated, “Asam Library, with its collection of 289,035 books in various languages, aims to provide a solid foundation for graduate students specializing in Islamic law, as well as other students researching various topics. It encourages all forms of research related to diverse Islamic sciences.”
He continued, “Asam Library is committed to promoting a moderate awareness of Islamic culture and ethics. It also works diligently on translating major Islamic books and organizes both local and international Islamic conferences.”
Ulkar added, “Last year, the library was visited by approximately 181,000 graduate students and researchers, averaging over 15,000 visitors per month. The library currently has 25,700 registered members.”
Asam Library is housed in a large, five-story building surrounded by a beautiful garden. It offers numerous services to students and researchers, such as photocopying, archiving, internet access, and access to Sharia court records. Additionally, it includes a mosque and a restaurant within the facility.
Asam Library is open to all graduate students and specialized researchers from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. It provides graduate students and university faculty with the opportunity to apply for free membership. Dedicated reading areas are available, attracting thousands of students to the library each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the difficulties of studying in Turkey?
Studying in Turkish universities is not difficult in itself compared to studying in other universities, despite the scientific and methodological progress offered by these universities in the world.
Some Arab students find it difficult to reside in a country other than their country of origin, especially if they do not master the Turkish language and are studying in the preparatory year, so they need some time before integrating into Turkish society.
It is a somewhat difficult issue for a student to live alone and bear full responsibility, but over time students get used to student life and find it an opportunity to build their strong personalities and expand their cultural horizons.
Are certificates issued by Turkish universities recognized?
Yes, the certificates issued by Turkish universities are among the most powerful certificates in the world, and they provide their holders with opportunities to work and complete their studies in all European countries and other countries of the world.
What is the language of study in Turkish universities?
Students can choose the language of study in all private Turkish universities between English and Turkish.
Most Turkish universities offer educational courses to strengthen the English or Turkish language to strengthen the students’ linguistic level if the student’s English or Turkish language is weak.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Türkiye?
The cost of study is one of the most important issues that students care about before taking the step to study at any university. The cost of studying medicine in Turkey varies according to the university in which the student is accepted and according to the language in which he wishes to study, whether it is Turkish or English. However, university fees for medical colleges generally range. Between 16 thousand dollars as in Atlim University in the English language and 25 thousand dollars as in the University of Bahçeşehir in the English language. We also mention, for example:
The university fees for studying medicine at Altinbas University in the English language are about 20 thousand dollars.
The university fees for studying medicine at Istanbul Aydin University in English are about 22 thousand dollars.
The university fees for studying medicine at Astinya University in English are about $21,600.
The university fees for studying medicine at Istanbul Okan University in English are about $20,500.
Is it possible to study in Turkey without a high school diploma?
After the circumstances that the region went through, many students left their country for Turkey without obtaining a high school diploma, or that they had obtained it and could not prove it, so they look with interest to obtain the answer to this question:
But the correct answer, unfortunately, is no. The student wishing to study in Turkey, regardless of his nationality, must first obtain a high school diploma as a translated and certified secondary school certificate is one of the first documents required for admission to all Turkish universities.
