Sivas Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library
Sivas city’s Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library is precisely such an important repository of knowledge. This library is not merely a building filled with books; it is also a cultural center that preserves exceptionally rare manuscript works passed down from the past to the present.
Where Is It Located and How Was It Established?
This library is located in the center of Sivas, a beautiful city in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region.
The founder of the library is a passionate lover of reading and learning named Yusuf Ziya Başara.
Mr. Yusuf Ziya, in 1908—more than a century ago—at the age of just 38, established this library through his own efforts. He created it as a private library to safeguard his personal collection of books and valuable manuscripts.
Sivas Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library (Culture Portal)
Journey Through Time: The History of the Library
In its early years, the library was also known as the “Ziya Bitik Evi.” The word “Bitik” means “book” in Old Turkish.
Yusuf Ziya Bey personally covered all expenses of the library until his death and worked tirelessly to expand its collection.
Until 1978, the library operated as private property. After that date, it came under state protection and continues its work today as one of Türkiye’s most important manuscript libraries.
Sivas Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library (Culture Portal)
What Types of Works Are Housed There?
As its name suggests, this library holds manuscript works. A manuscript refers to very old books and documents written by hand before the widespread use of printing presses.
In the library contains more than 1,600 manuscript works. In addition, there are over 18,000 printed books, both old and new.
These works cover a wide range of subjects including religion, history, philosophy, mathematics, and literature. Written in languages such as Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman Turkish, they carry the knowledge and culture of their time to the present day.
Sivas Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library (Culture Portal)
Why Is the Library Important?
The Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library serves as a vital center of knowledge for Sivas and its surrounding region.
It assumes the responsibility of preserving information and cultural heritage from earlier eras. Scholars and students rely on its collections to research historical knowledge.
In a section of the library established in later years, the Dumlupınar Children’s Library was also founded. This ensures that both ancient and valuable manuscripts are preserved while giving children access to new books.
