Serving under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Directorate of Libraries and Museums, the Atatürk Library houses more than 700,000 works; with resources such as Ottoman printed books, periodicals, manuscripts, rare works in foreign languages, maps, postcards, yearbooks, calendars, and personal archives, it ranks among the distinguished libraries possessing one of Türkiye’s most valuable collections.
The foundation of the Atatürk Library dates back to the early years of the Republic. Established in 1924 under the name of "Şehremaneti Library," it continuously expanded through significant donations and collections, serving as the Istanbul Municipal Library in the historical Bayezid II Madrasa from 1939 to 1981.
The history of the library’s current building is rooted in the 50th anniversary of the Republic. Its foundation was laid by the Koç Foundation in 1973, and the building was transferred to the municipality in 1976. It has been operating as the Atatürk Library since 1981.
The Atatürk Library functions as the central library of the Directorate of Library and Museums, with all other affiliated libraries serving as its branches.
An important cultural hub due to its prominent location and rich content, the Atatürk Library operates within a 4,158-square-meter space with a seating capacity of 226. As of September 5, 2022, it was formally re-established as a research library, making its extensive collection fully available to scholars and researchers. Serving as a primary reference source for both domestic and international researchers with its unique archives, the library further supports its academic vision through an ever-expanding event calendar and the publication of new works.
To continuously enhance the library’s collection, our directorate acquires rare books and current publications each year, adding thousands of rare works, private archives, and contemporary materials through both acquisitions and donations.
Home to one of Türkiye’s richest collections of Ottoman books, the Atatürk Library also holds a complete set of the 17 books printed by the historic Müteferrika Press.
Additionally, the collection features highly significant historical maps of Istanbul. Predominantly hand-drawn, these maps are currently undergoing digitization by our institution.
The document collection includes the personal archives of highly influential historical figures, such as commanders from the Independence War (Ali Fuat Cebesoy, Kazım Karabekir, Rauf Orbay, and the Defender of Medina, Fahreddin Pasha); one of the first Turkish nurses, Safiye Hüseyin Elbi; the prominent late-Ottoman intellectual İbnü’l-Emin Mahmud Kemal İnal; Architect Kemaleddin; one of the founders of Turkish theater, Muhsin Ertuğrul; and musicologist Tanburi Laika Karabey.
The photography archive, containing over 100,000 images from various collections, offers invaluable visuals ranging from urban life and archaeology to Ottoman geography and human portraits. These collections feature works by renowned Ottoman studios and photographers—such as Sebah & Joaillier, the Abdullah Frères, the Gülmez Frères, Nikola Andriomenos, Robertson, Phebus, Pascal Sébah, Othmar, Ali Sami, and Ahmet Münir—as well as local artists. The archive provides access to historical frames from all across Anatolia, with a special focus on Istanbul.
Additionally, users can access the personal photography archives of notable figures including İzzet Günay, architect Hüsrev Taylan, architect Sinan Genim, Commander Rauf Orbay, Fahreddin Pasha, and painter Eleonora Arhelaou.
As a prominent example of contemporary Turkish architectural design, the Atatürk Library holds a distinct place in Republican-era architecture and preserves its status within Istanbul's architectural memory.
Users can explore our digital archive, which contains approximately 9 million records, as well as the catalogs of all our library branches, via ataturkkitapligi.ibb.gov.tr and katalog.ibb.gov.tr.
Residents can take advantage of the lending services available at the Afife Batur Library, as well as all other libraries operating under the IMM Department of Urban History, Promotion, and Tourism’s Directorate of Libraries and Museums.
Readers wishing to become members can quickly register and access our services using the IMM Library (İBB Kütüphane) mini-app located within the İstanbul Senin mobile application.
Users who prefer to register via the e-Government portal (e-Devlet) should log in to turkiye.gov.tr, search for "İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kütüphane," and select the "Belediye Kütüphaneleri Üyelik Bilgileri Sorgulama ve Üyelik Başvurusu" (Municipal Libraries Membership Inquiry and Application) link. After filling out the required information and clicking the "Başvur" (Apply) button, the process is complete; patrons can then access all IMM Library services using the password sent to their mobile phones via SMS or email.
Alternatively, readers who prefer to register in person can simply apply at the libraries by presenting a valid official identification document, such as a Turkish national ID card, driver's license, or passport.
Accounts created via the "Sign Up" tab at katalog.ibb.gov.tr provide access only to our digital collection. To make seat reservations, you must complete your registration through the "İstanbul Senin" app, after which you can reserve seats via the "İBB Library" mini-app.
Capacity: 4,158 m², 226 persons
Address: Gümüşsuyu, Miralay Şefikbey Sok. No: 6 Beyoğlu / Istanbul
