tabanlioglu architects merges old + new with istanbul library

tabanlioglu architects renovates istanbul’s historic library with its rare book collection

tabanlıoğlu architects have completed the restoration of the ‘beyazit public library’, with its rare book collection in istanbul, turkey. the historic piece of architecture dates back to 1501 and was formally a soup kitchen and a traveler’s inn that included a kitchen, a primary school, a hospital, a madrasah and a hammam. “

contemporary turkish publications are based on the second floor and periodicals on the first
all images © emre dorter

located adjacent to the beyazıt mosque, the library is sited in the public square and connected to the spine of the historical peninsula, divanyolu; one of the most vibrant spaces in the old part of the city. tabanlıoğlu architects’ response saw the interior of the building being sensitively re-organized and the structural fabric carefully restored, including the prominent multi-domed roof. the quarter, where the state library sits, is infused with historical connections of a literary nature; the old-book bazaar (bouquiniste) that is set in a courtyard leads tobeyazıt gate, one of the main entrances of the grand bazaar. the front façade of the library backs the monumental plane tree under which is the traditional open air coffee shop serving since the ottoman times.

the black glass boxes devoted to the manuscripts, stand as a monolithic objects

in place of the former concrete roof, the architects installed a light and transparent inflatable membrane structure which covers the courtyard, filtering daylight and providing a controlled atmosphere. in the renovated shell of the building, the black glass boxes devoted to the manuscripts, stand as a monolithic objects that play stark contrast to their surroundings.

air conditioned transparent volumes houses the rare book collection

the ‘minimal intervention’ approach ensures the spirit of the place survives while present-day facilities are subtly integrated. a modest extension – respectful of the scale of the existing building – has been constructed to the northeast façade to the existing library. contemporary turkish publications are based on the second floor and periodicals on the first, while the ground level houses the rare book collection. publications in the ottoman era and other ottoman, arabic and persian manuscripts that are now kept in air conditioned transparent cabins designed to fit in the intense atmosphere while preserving the legacy.

the ‘minimal intervention’ approach ensures the spirit of the place survives while present-day facilities are integrated