Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library

The Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library is a specialized library located in the city center of Sivas, established to preserve, digitize, and provide access to manuscript works for researchers. It was founded in 1908 by Yusuf Ziya Başara. Today, it operates under the umbrella of the Directorate General of Manuscript Works of Türkiye, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

^{Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library (}Türkiye Culture Portal⁾

History

Founding Process

The library was constructed in 1908 by Mütevellioğlu Yusuf Ziya Başara, a member of the Sivas elite. Yusuf Ziya Bey funded the construction using income derived from his shares in Tuzla. Construction, which began in 1906, was completed within approximately one and a half to two years. The building, originally housing around 3,000 books, was erected as a private and independent library.

Private Ownership Period (1908–1978)

Until his death in 1943, Yusuf Ziya Bey personally covered all expenses of the library. Upon his death, management of the library was transferred to his eldest son in accordance with his will. Operating expenses were sustained through rental income from six shops located on the ground floor, and staff were employed to ensure continued operations.

^{Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library (}Türkiye Culture Portal⁾

Nationalization and Official Status

On 13 March 1978, the building was transferred to the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and was officially nationalized on 7 April 1980. Between 1981 and 1983, the library building was restored; the ground floor was converted into a Fine Arts Gallery, while the upper floor was designated as a specialized library. It was formally opened to the public on 16 April 1985 after completion of technical upgrades. In 2005–2006, the Sivas Provincial Administration carried out additional maintenance and repairs.

Architectural Features

The library building is one of the examples of late Ottoman architecture constructed in line with Westernization movements prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dressed stone, resistant to both cold and hot climatic conditions, was used in its construction. The building is among the few private structures in Türkiye originally built specifically as a library.

Founder: Yusuf Ziya Başara

Yusuf Ziya Bey was born in Sivas in 1284 AH (1869). His father was Mütevellioğlu Mahmut Efendi and his mother was Rukiye Hanım. He received education at the Mekteb-i İbtidai, Rüştiye, and Medrese levels. After completing his Rüştiye education, he served in the Sivas Mektubi Kalemi, holding various public offices including secretary, acting district governor, and directorships in National Education and Waqf Affairs.

^{Yusuf Ziya Başara (}Directorate of Manuscript Works of Türkiye⁾

In 1902, he was awarded a medal for his contributions to the Hijaz Railway fundraising campaign and served on the Hamidiye-Hijaz Railway Commission. He was a member of the Ottoman Chamber of Deputies and served seven terms as a deputy in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. He died on 19 July 1943 at the age of 80 from pneumonia.

Collections

The collections of the Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library are as follows:

• Manuscript works: 1,643 items
• Printed works: 18,115 items
• Non-book materials: 143 items
• Total number of items: 19,901

All manuscript works have been digitized and made accessible to researchers. Digitization of printed works is still ongoing.

^{Transfer of 169 Manuscript Works to the Directorate (}Directorate of Manuscript Works of Türkiye⁾

Protocol with Cumhuriyet University

Under a protocol signed in 2019 between Cumhuriyet University and the Directorate General of Manuscript Works of Türkiye, 169 manuscript works held in the university’s libraries were transferred to the Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library.

The transfer ceremony took place at the Faculty of Theology Library of Cumhuriyet University. Officials from the university and relevant institutions attended the event. Speeches emphasized that the manuscripts had returned to their original home and would become universally accessible following digitization.

Current Status

The Ziya Bey Manuscript Works Library operates under the Directorate General of Manuscript Works of Türkiye and engages in various activities including digitization, preservation, and providing access to researchers. The library is an important specialized institution for manuscript preservation at both local and national levels.