The Opening of the Central Library of Istanbul University
Istanbul University traces its origins back to 1470 with the establishment of the Fatih School in the heart of the city. Before the Fatih School, education in Istanbul was mainly conducted in churches and temples repurposed as schools. These early institutions did not have centralized libraries to support academic learning.
The founding of the Fatih School marked a milestone in regional higher education. It introduced a more structured system, establishing four schools, each with its own library. These libraries collected essential academic materials. Over time, the collections from these schools were merged with additional books from two major institutions—the Hagia Sophia School and the Zeyrek School—creating a central library collection.
This consolidation resulted in a more centralized repository housed in the Fatih Mosque, which became an important intellectual and cultural hub for the city. The mosque’s library gathered literature and research materials from prestigious schools in the region.
The founding of Fatih University (later known as Fatih College) formalized higher education in the area. This period also saw significant educational reforms in the Ottoman Empire, bringing modernization and institutionalized knowledge.
Development of Libraries in the Ottoman Era
In 1846, the Temporary Council of Education proposed the creation of the Darülfünun (House of Arts), an institution designed to promote scientific and cultural growth. Sultan Abdülmecid approved the initiative, and a library was established within the Darülfünun. However, this library was destroyed in a fire in 1865.
Despite this setback, the Ottoman Empire continued to prioritize education and libraries. In 1869, the Public Education Law was passed, which included provisions for establishing libraries in educational institutions. Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the Education Unification Law of 1924 placed libraries under the Directorate of Public Education, further centralizing the library system.
In 1923, the House of Arts gained independence, leading to a more organized approach to library management. Under the leadership of İsmail Hakkı Baltacıoğlu, the dean of the Faculty of Arts, books from various schools were gathered into the House of Arts, including those from the private library of Sultan Abdülhamid (Yıldız Palace). This enriched the collection significantly.
The House of Arts opened to the public on November 30, 1924. In 1933, the Turkish Parliament passed a law to dissolve the House of Arts and establish a university, further strengthening the role of libraries in academic growth.
Establishment of Istanbul University
Istanbul University was officially founded on August 1, 1933, after decades of educational reforms. In 1934, the library from the House of Arts was integrated into the university, transforming it from a university-specific collection into a globally recognized resource. This move elevated the library’s status as both a local academic asset and a center for intellectual exchange.
In 1981, the library moved to its current location, a purpose-built structure designed by Turkish architect Kemaleddin in 1912. The new building offered ample space for the library to expand, providing resources to students, scholars, and researchers. Today, the Central Library of Istanbul University is the largest university library in Turkey, housing millions of books, manuscripts, and academic resources across a wide range of disciplines.
Istanbul University Central Library: A Global Leader in Knowledge and Heritage
Istanbul University’s Central Library is one of the oldest and most significant academic libraries in the world. In 1982, the library began collaborating with other libraries within the university, leading to the creation of the Istanbul University Central Library, officially affiliated with the Presidency of the Documentation Department, in line with the Higher Education Law No. 2547.
Throughout its history, the library has been known by various names, including The Library and Museum of Rare Books, The Palace of Books, and The Library of Unique Artifacts. These names reflect its remarkable collection of rare and invaluable books and manuscripts in Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, and Persian.
Resilience and Recovery: The Library’s Journey After the 1999 Earthquake
The library faced a significant challenge following the 1999 earthquake that struck Istanbul, temporarily closing the library. After extensive repairs and restoration, it reopened in 2003 within the university’s administration building. In 2006, it moved back to its original location, continuing to serve as a center of intellectual achievement.
The library has earned widespread recognition for its rare and valuable collections, especially those from the Ottoman Empire. Among its treasures is a collection of 36,585 photographs from the era of Sultan Abdülhamid, offering a unique glimpse into Ottoman history.
A Treasure Trove of Rare Works and Manuscripts
The Istanbul University Central Library houses thousands of rare and priceless works, including many by prominent Ottoman scholars and intellectuals. The collection includes works by Sheikh Piri Zadeh Muhammad Saheb Mola, Reza Pasha, Hakki Pasha, and Mahmoud Kemal Inal, as well as materials from military leaders, historians, and thinkers who shaped the Ottoman Empire.
Notable holdings include 18,606 rare books, with 9,943 in Turkish, 6,967 in Arabic, 1,618 in Persian, and 81 in various European languages. The library also contains 25,375 printed Ottoman books, 693 print albums, 911 photograph albums, 1,350 maps, 212 musical scores, 554 newspapers, 345 magazines, 28 paintings, and 4,300 rare European books written in Latin script.
In addition, the library holds a substantial collection donated by historian Mahmoud Kemal Inal, which includes 568 manuscripts, 3,808 books, and numerous musical works from the Music Institute of Istanbul University.
Accessing the Rich Resources of the Central Library
Istanbul University’s Central Library provides extensive resources for students, researchers, and scholars. Visitors can access a catalog of books, journals, and other materials in the reading rooms, making it easy to browse through the collection.
Books can be accessed digitally on computers within the library, allowing for efficient reading and research. For materials not available digitally, physical copies can be borrowed by filling out a request form.
Additionally, the library offers a service to transfer books onto CDs for a nominal fee, providing a convenient option for portable access to specific texts.
Seizing Educational Opportunities in Turkey
For those considering higher education in Turkey, Istanbul University offers a wealth of academic opportunities. The Central Library’s extensive collections can support academic success. If you have questions or need guidance navigating educational opportunities in Turkey, expert consultants are available for personalized assistance.
Istanbul University’s Central Library stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to preserving knowledge, advancing education, and fostering intellectual growth on a global scale.
Directly’s expert consultants are here to help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out via WhatsApp for personalized guidance and support.
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.
