Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi

Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi is a conservation center established under the Presidency of the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution, which operates under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with the aim of preserving, restoring, digitizing, and revitalizing research on handwritten and rare printed works. The center undertakes the responsibility of safeguarding and sustaining the manuscript heritage dating back to the 10th century, including the Ottoman period.

The systematic restoration of manuscripts began in 1956 with the establishment of the “Binding and Pathology Unit” within the Süleymaniye Manuscripts Library. This unit carried out the first restoration efforts on handwritten works over many years. In 2012, the Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi was established, assuming this responsibility and moving into a new facility equipped with modern conservation laboratories. The şifahane operates within the historic building of the Süleymaniye Medical Medrese, designed by Mimar Sinan, and functions as an institutional center that unites the historical tradition of the “şifahane” with a scientific approach to preservation.

^{Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi (}Republic of Türkiye Istanbul Governorship⁾

The Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi operates in Istanbul under the Presidency of the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution. Within the şifahane are conservation laboratories, chemical analysis units, biological examination laboratories, digital archiving rooms, and climate-controlled storage areas equipped with environmental monitoring systems. The team responsible for restoration consists of conservators, chemists, biologists, and specialists from various disciplines.

Each conservator is held fully responsible for the entire preservation process of the assigned work. This process includes photographing the item, conducting chemical and physical analyses, preparing reports, and documenting the restoration. The professional knowledge of staff is regularly updated through technical training programs organized by the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution.

The restoration process begins with biological decontamination. Manuscripts are wrapped in plastic film and stored at -40°C for 24 hours to eliminate insect larvae. Subsequently, conservators identify the physical, chemical, and biological degradation of the item and develop a tailored conservation plan.

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During conservation, natural adhesives that do not damage the item, plant-based pigments, and durable archival materials are used. Torn or missing paper sections are repaired using restoration paper, and pages discolored by acidification undergo neutralization. In bookbinding restoration, leather or fabric materials matching the original texture are preferred.

Every stage of conservation is documented, and all records related to the item are archived through the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution Information System (YEK-BİS). Completed restored books are placed in special boxes made of alkaline-buffered cardboard and returned to their respective libraries.

The şifahane restores manuscripts from the collections of institutions including the Süleymaniye Manuscripts Library, Millet Manuscripts Library, Istanbul Archaeology Museums Library, Hagia Sophia Museum Library, and Beyazıt Manuscripts Library. Particular priority is given to unique, undigitized manuscripts dating between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Manuscripts from before and after the Ottoman period, classical Turkish literary texts, and treatises on history, geography, medicine, and astronomy are also included in the restoration program. Additionally, Qur’an manuscripts written by Mamluk calligraphers and rare printed books produced in the early period of printing with limited circulation are preserved under this program.

Restored items are stored in specialized, earthquake- and fire-resistant repositories. Designed with Istanbul’s seismic risk in mind, these storage areas maintain continuous monitoring of humidity and temperature. Periodic inspections, cleaning procedures, and environmental analyses ensure the long-term preservation of the manuscripts.

^{Manuscript Restoration (}Republic of Türkiye Istanbul Governorship⁾

Protective boxes and packaging used for post-restoration storage are manufactured from acid-free, durable, and long-lasting archival materials, ensuring prolonged protection against physical wear and environmental factors.

Digitization of restored works is one of the core activities of the Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi. This process aims to reduce physical handling of original items while facilitating access for scholarly research. Digital copies are made available to researchers through online platforms managed by the Presidency of the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution.

Conservation practices carried out at the şifahane are grounded in academic documentation. Within this framework, scientific studies are conducted on the condition assessment of manuscripts from libraries across Türkiye, as well as on material analysis and restoration techniques.

^{Manuscript Restoration (}Republic of Türkiye Istanbul Governorship⁾

Research conducted in the laboratories includes ink fixation methods, cellulose durability, pigment analysis, acid removal techniques, and leather material testing. The findings of these studies are vital for the preservation of manuscripts and the development of standardized restoration protocols.

Conservators and technical specialists working at the Süleymaniye Kitap Şifahanesi participate in training programs organized both within the institution and at the national level. The Presidency of the Türkiye Manuscripts Institution places special emphasis on cultivating qualified personnel and advancing expertise in the science of restoration. Within this framework, academic and practical training activities in conservation are continuously carried out.