ISTANBUL, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Libraries must abandon their traditional role as mere book repositories to serve the modern era, according to the director of one of Europe's largest libraries.
Ali Celik, director of Istanbul's massive Rami Library, said the institution represents a shift toward "living libraries" that act as dynamic social hubs rather than static archives.
"In the age we live in, libraries are no longer just book depots," Celik said in remarks reported by the media. "The library is a life center with workshop areas, seminar rooms, theaters, and exhibition halls."
The push to modernize coincides with Türkiye's broader goals for World Book Day, aiming to turn quiet reading rooms into active community centers.
The Rami Library, a former 18th-century military barracks on the shores of the Golden Horn, was reopened in 2023 after a meticulous restoration. The library describes itself as the largest library complex in Europe, with a planned capacity of over 2.5 million volumes and the ability to accommodate 4,200 readers simultaneously.
The site's shift toward a "living" space is most visible in its sprawling courtyard and dedicated children's sections.
"In a busy city like Istanbul, this has become our public square," resident Irem Genc said while visiting with her children. "It makes the idea of a library feel alive for the whole family."
Beyond reading spaces, the facility features a cultural playground for toddlers, storytelling sessions, and workshops ranging from traditional Turkish ebru painting to robotics and gastronomy.
The facility also houses the "Sifahane," a rehabilitation center where specialists restore aging books. The library's sustainability efforts earned it the "Biosphere" certificate for environmental and cultural preservation.
Alongside its community features, a major technical project is underway to protect historical texts. Omer Kuzgun, head of the Archive Department at the Institution of Manuscript Works, is overseeing the digitalization of 780,000 manuscripts from the Ottoman and Seljuk eras.
"This is a major milestone," Kuzgun said, noting that 485,000 works have been digitalized so far. "In terms of the volume of works we house and share, we are one of the most important centers in the world."
The institution aims to make ancient texts accessible to younger generations through thematic exhibitions and modern Turkish translations, Kuzgun added.
The library's vision also extends internationally. Celik noted that the institution aims to revive the spirit of the ancient Silk Road through "library diplomacy."
"The Silk Road was not just a center for trade; it was a line where culture and civilization were in constant interaction," Celik said. "We want to continue this legacy by creating a new path through libraries."
As part of this initiative, the library launched Chinese language programs in collaboration with Istanbul University. Celik said he plans to establish "sister library" partnerships with Chinese institutions to increase cultural interaction. ■
