One of Büyükada’s forgotten heritage sites, Taş Mektep, was restored and brought back to Istanbul’s cultural and artistic life on June 18, 2023, through the restoration works carried out by the İBB Heritage teams under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Urban History and Promotion.
Having been abandoned and derelict for many years, the building was revived through comprehensive restoration and repurposing efforts. Enhanced to withstand a potential Istanbul earthquake, Taş Mektep was restored using authentic materials and traditional techniques in accordance with universal principles of cultural heritage conservation to ensure its preservation for future generations.
The historic building has been reopened for use by Istanbul residents as an exhibition hall, book café, workshop, and event space.
The library within Taş Mektep operates in a 214-square-meter area with a capacity of 50 people. With a contemporary collection of 5,214 books from distinguished publishers, the library welcomes readers and hosts a variety of talks, music recitals, and events with notable guests.
All local residents can benefit from the lending services of Taş Mektep Library, as well as all libraries affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department of Urban History and Promotion, Library and Museums Branch Directorate.
Readers wishing to become members can quickly register and access our services via the İBB Library Mini application within the “İstanbul Senin” mobile app.
For e-Government membership procedures, users should log in to turkiye.gov.tr, search for “İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kütüphane”, and click on the link “Belediye Kütüphaneleri Üyelik Bilgileri Sorgulama ve Üyelik Başvurusu”. On the membership application page, after filling in the required information, complete your application by clicking the ‘Apply’ button. You can then use the password sent to your phone and email to access all services of İBB libraries.
Alternatively, prospective members can also register in person at our libraries with an official identification document such as a Turkish ID card, driver’s license, or passport.
