– Please pre-order literature via our OPAC –
The Orient-Institut Istanbul’s library is a scientific research library with an emphasis on the study of the Ottoman Empire, the Republic of Turkey in all aspects (linguistical, historical, literature and social sciences) and of the Turkic languages and literatures of Central Asia. The collection includes literature concerning the Turkish-speaking groups of the Ottoman Empire’s follow-up states, the languages of Turkey, the religions of the Ottoman Empire and “Turkish Islam”. Since its foundation, the library’s aim has been to acquire rare books and works that are difficult to find in other German libraries. Furthermore, the library is continuously expanding its collection of contemporary Turkish publications while keeping its finger on the pulse of international research. A special focus lies on the development of its collection of periodicals. The collection contains Turkish and international scientific journals as well as non-scientific Turkish journals with a source value. In addition, the library collection contains about 400 (partly historical) maps of the region.
The library currently holds approximately 50,000 volumes and 1,550 periodicals in Ottoman, Turkish and other languages and subscribes to about 100 periodicals. Every year about 2,000 books and 750 issues of periodicals are added to the collection.
Visit the library
The library is open to all interested researchers. Please bring a valid ID with you, which you can leave with the security for the duration of your visit.
The library is a reference library. All resources can be retrieved via an online catalog (OPAC). Please order the literature you require by e-mail the day before your visit. This is possible directly from the catalog:
No membership is required.
Orient-Institut Istanbul
Galip Dede Caddesi 65, Şahkulu Mahallesi
TR- 34421 Beyoğlu – Istanbul
Telefon: +90-212-2936067 (-128)
Mail: oiibib@oiist.org
Library hours
Monday-Thursday 10:00 – 19:00
Friday 09:00 – 13:00
The library is closed on all official Turkish and some German public holidays.