Pirkulzade Library

Libraries are like magical boxes containing thousands of pieces of knowledge. The Pirkulzade Library in Burdur is precisely such an important structure. This library was not merely a place where books were collected; it also marked the first step toward the establishment of the Burdur Museum. When you visit this site, you will see a historic building and embark on a journey into Burdur’s past.

^{Pirkulzade Library (}Culture Portal⁾

The founding of the Pirkulzade Library dates back approximately 200 years to the era of the Ottoman Empire. The date 1823 (1239 according to the Hijri calendar) appears on the seals of the books housed there. According to a document written in 1824 (1240 Hijri), the library was constructed by Küçük Şeyh Mustafa Efendi, the Mufti of Burdur, who was responsible for religious affairs. At that time, the establishment of such libraries in cities like Burdur demonstrated the high value placed on reading and learning.

The Pirkulzade Library is located in Burdur, a city in southwestern Türkiye within the Lake Region. Today, this historic building stands within the grounds of the Burdur Museum. In fact, the library is the only remaining structure of what was once known as the Bulguroğlu Medresesi, an educational institution.

For many years, the library housed books. However, in 1956, historical artifacts collected from Burdur and its surroundings began to be stored in this building. Thus, the library structure became the initial core and starting point of the Burdur Museum.

^{Pirkulzade Library (}Culture Portal⁾

The library building is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture. Its style resembles buildings constructed in the 18th century (1700s) and later. The walls feature fine stone masonry and elegant classical windows, which reflect the artistic sensibilities and craftsmanship of the period. Today, artifacts related to Turk-Islamic culture are exhibited inside the library. These artifacts provide insight into the lifestyles and arts of people in the past.