Orhan Kemal Provincial Public Library

Orhan Kemal Provincial Public Library, located on Ordu Caddesi in the Beyazıt neighborhood of the Fatih district in Istanbul, is a public library operating under the authority of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The institution is housed in the historic Simkeşhâne building (also known as Sırmakeş Hanı), constructed during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and stands as one of Istanbul’s cultural centers due to its rich collection and historical atmosphere.

^{Simkeşhâne-i Âmire in Beyazıt (}TDV Islamic Encyclopedia)

The historic building that now serves as the library was constructed between 1470 and 1475 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet as a mint. In the 18th century, it was renovated under the patronage of Emetullah Râbi’a Gül-Nûş Vâlide Sultan and converted into the imperial gold and silver wire workshop known as Simkeşhâne-i Âmire. The structure was used for various purposes until the mid-20th century, gradually falling into disrepair. During road expansion works in 1958, the northern wing of the building was demolished. In 1964, the “Association for the Establishment and Preservation of the Istanbul City Library,” chaired by Professor Bedii N. Şehsuvaroğlu, leased the building from the Istanbul Municipality and initiated its restoration. With contributions from the Ministry of Culture, the restoration was completed in 1976. The Istanbul Provincial Public Library, previously located in the Fatih National Library building, was transferred to this restored structure and opened to the public on 16 November 1981. On 11 December 2001, with the approval of the Ministry of Culture, the library was named after the Turkish writer Orhan Kemal.^【1】

The library building was constructed on the site of the Byzantine Tauris Forum (the Triumphal Arch of Theodosius I). Ancient fragments uncovered during restoration and excavation works are now displayed in an open-air museum arrangement within the library’s courtyard. The surviving portions of the original three-story structure with a central courtyard have been adapted to suit the library’s functions.

^{Interior of Orhan Kemal Provincial Public Library (}Out-of-School Learning Environments⁾

The library offers a broad collection of materials catering to users of all ages, in accordance with public library standards. In addition to its collection of tens of thousands of printed works, it provides services through periodicals and a dedicated children’s unit. The vaulted rooms and high-ceilinged halls of the historic building have been arranged as reading and study areas. The institution also conducts various cultural activities alongside its book lending services. Additionally, the library operates a "Mobile Library" vehicle.^【2】

Situated centrally on Ordu Caddesi between Beyazıt and Laleli, the library is easily accessible via the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar Tramway line (at Laleli or Beyazıt stops) and several bus routes. The building is within walking distance of Istanbul University’s main campus and the historic Grand Bazaar.