Beyazıt State Library is located near the historic book market of Istanbul University and the former Küllük Coffeehouse, a well-known gathering place for the city’s intellectuals. Originally built in 1506 as an Ottoman soup kitchen during the early years of the empire, the building was later converted into a library in the late Ottoman period.

 

After suffering from an inappropriate restoration in the 1980s, the structure underwent a long and careful renovation process. The project focused on preserving the building’s patina while transforming it into a contemporary reading room and book museum. Natural light, controlled environmental conditions and sensitively integrated architectural elements allow the historic fabric to remain visible, creating a timeless setting for scholarship and reflection.