Estanbul 2010

Completed by Koprulu Fazil Ahmet Pasa – the son of Koprulu Mehmet Pasa- in 1678 as the first  library having an independent building after Koprulu Library in Ottoman State, being the second in this category, Atif Mustafa Efendi  Library was established Vefa Quarter of Istanbul by Atif Efendi in1741 who was a divani poet and worked as Chief Registrar during Sultan Mahmut I’s period.

Having its resources of revenues and administration determined in the foundational decree, three hafiz-i kutub [book memorizers], one seyh ul-kurra, one suyolcu, one mucellit [binder] and one ferras [cleaner] were employed. Hafiz-i kutubs were required to stay in three lodgings. Besides being on duty five days a week (except for Tuesdays and Fridays), they were also required to lead the congregational prayers as imam or assist as muezzin.

Library building is one of most beautiful examples of Turkic Baroque style, reflecting 18th century Turkish Civil Architectural Art. Conditions of studying and ways of benefiting from library are inscribed on a marble foundation [waqf] charter in the entrance of the library.  The establishment of this library was stated as “…talebe-i ulumun ifade ve istifadesi mülahazasiyle [for the consideration of the expression and benefit of all students]” in this charter. According to the charter, librarians were to be chosen from the aptitude and religious people, perform their own duties and not to pass them onto their assistants or deputies. Handing over of the position to under-aged, who is not at the age of discretion, was strictly prohibited. Taking out no book for istinsah (copying and photocopying) or for benefiting from it even against any warrant or pawn was included in the charter, besides, there is a section that contains full list of Atif Efendi Library – donated by him to the waqf- with complete book records.

There is a small hafiz-i kutub room in the entrance of the library, a small gap, a hexagonal reading hall, a book depot opening to this hall; and underneath the building is the repertory. Being comprised of five rooms and two halls, the library has no sufficient space for proper library service providing. Radiator heated 5 rooms have 42, 18, 10,10, and 5 square meter room sizes in the same order; halls, however, 187 and 132 square meters. Its last restoration was complete in 1992; and, the library’s need for another restoration is a reality. Having 2857 book in its establishment, Atif Efendi Library has expanded its collection over time. There are many manuscripts like several authors calligraphy works, several old book copies, nice binders, ornaments and miniature works and signet albums. The collection of Mehmet Zeki Pakalin is among the collection of the library. Having 3,228 manuscripts and 6,358 printed books in old alphabet; the library’s collection is currently comprised of 25,905 books.

Currently, one library chief, one librarian – a graduate of Library Department under the Literature Faculty of Istanbul University, two security guards and technical personnel, total of five, are on duty. Working in affiliation with Suleymaniye Library, digitalization of the manuscript works in Atif Efendi Library has not been started.