The Beyazit Library was founded in 1884 as the first state library in Turkey in the charitable complex (kullie) of the Bayezid II Mosque near the Grand Bazaar and Istanbul University. It is still located there, in the premises of the charitable kitchen and the caravanserai, which, like the mosque, were completed in 1506. A historic second-hand book market is located nearby, and a huge plane tree grows near the facade, under which an open-air coffee shop has been built since Ottoman times.
The task of the architects was to restore and modernize the historical building, making it more convenient for readers and allowing the library to exhibit its treasures: among its million volumes, there are about 11,000 manuscripts and 40,000 rare printed books. Also, one should not forget about the status of the institution: Beyazit is one of the six Turkish libraries, where, since 1934, a copy of each book and periodical issue printed in the country has been received. At the same time, the uniqueness of the premises of the 16th century required a very tactful, "light" approach.
Instead of concrete and glass ceilings, a transparent membrane now serves as a roof for the courtyard; black glass blocks with unique handwritten books are placed on the ground floor, emphasizing the value of what is stored inside by contrasting with the light masonry of the walls. White furniture echoes white and blue painted domes, and lighting designed by Dinnebier Studio partly emphasizes the geometry of the space, and partly - with the help of lamps at the foot of the walls - gives it additional depth.
The circulation of visitors has been rethought, the main entrance is now arranged in a newly closed courtyard. Remains of the foundations of a Byzantine church, once located on the site of a library, have become available for inspection.
