Millet Manuscript Library

The library of the nation, built in 1700 by Şeyhülislam Seyyid Feyzullah Efendi, one of the well-known religious scholars in the Ottoman Empire, is very rich in content.

The architecture of the Millet Manuscript Library, built on a total area of 650 square meters, points to the end of the classical Ottoman understanding, along with structures such as the ablution fountain and fountain located in the garden. It has been repaired many times since its construction.

Besides 2,189 manuscript works belonging to Seyyid Feyzullah Efendi, 16 thousand books were donated by Ali Emiri Efendi and the structure thus became a library.

During the earthquake on August 17, 1999, great works in the Millet Manuscript Library have significantly damaged as well as others in some of the old historical libraries in the city and these works were sent to the Beyazıt State Library, and after about three months the library began to serve in its place again.

The library has 6708 manuscript works. The Millet Manuscript Library, which is of great importance especially for history and literature students, welcomes thousands of researchers and visitors related to Ottoman history, Islam, and classical literature 12 months of the year.