Erzurumlu Emrah Literature Museum Library

Erzurumlu Emrah Literature Museum Library is a cultural institution established to promote Turkish literature and preserve Erzurum’s literary heritage, combining the functions of a library with those of a museum. It holds a unique position among literature museum libraries in Türkiye.

Erzurumlu Emrah Literature Museum Library (Erzurum Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

Location and Architectural Features

The library is located on Ali Ravi Street in Yoncalık Neighborhood of the Yakutiye district in Erzurum. The building is known locally as the “Old Military Bath” and was formerly used as a bathhouse by the military. After remaining unused for many years, it was restored and converted into a cultural facility. The Erzurum Provincial Public Library is situated immediately adjacent to it.

Establishment and Opening

The library was opened to the public on 29 June 2012 with the participation of Prof. Dr. Onur Bilge Kula, then Director General of Libraries and Publications. Prior to its opening, a restoration faithful to the original structure was carried out, including renovations to paint, plastering, roofing, heating systems, landscaping, and lighting.

Collection and Works

The library houses approximately 5,000 books and various non-book materials belonging to nearly a thousand authors. It holds printed copies of 87 literary and artistic journals published across Türkiye. Facsimile reproductions of divan and manuscript works by Erzurum-originated poets such as the folk poet Erzurumlu Emrah, İbrahim Hakkı Hazretleri, and Nefi are also on display.

Regional and National Scope

The museum library does not limit its collection to Erzurum alone but includes authors from surrounding provinces. Works by writers who lived in Erzincan, Tunceli, Bingöl, Muş, Ağrı, Iğdır, Kars, and Ardahan are represented in the collection. Notable authors in the collection include Mustafa Kutlu, Emine Işınsu, Feridun Andaç, Nihat Behram, Yahya Akengin, and Refik Durbaş.

Exhibitions and Thematic Areas

The museum displays facsimile reproductions of the covers of 59 journals of significant importance in Turkish literary history. It also provides access to a digital archive of 23 local periodicals reflecting Erzurum’s cultural memory. The Erzurum City Library section contains approximately 400 publications related to the city.

Physical Space and Visit Information

The Erzurumlu Emrah Literature Museum Library features two exhibition halls, a reading room, a periodicals room, an administrative office, and a tea corner. The museum is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, except on Sundays. It is a cultural destination attracting interest from both domestic and international visitors.