Ziya Bey Manuscript Library is a historic archive and library located in Sivas city center. Housed in a 1908 cut-stone building commissioned by Yusuf Ziya Başara, it preserves 1,616 manuscripts and over 15,000 printed books.
Ziya Bey Manuscript Library takes its name from Yusuf Ziya Başara, a native of Sivas. Başara commissioned this building with his own funds in 1908 and filled it with books. He was 38 years old at the time and later served as a member of parliament. Built with heat- and cold-resistant cut stone, the structure reflects Late Ottoman architectural style. It remained private property until 1978, when it was expropriated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Today, 1,616 manuscripts and 15,361 printed books are preserved here. It consists of a single small room. To someone without an interest in history or art history, it might look like an ordinary library. However, once inside, seeing Charles Texier's original period prints and rare facsimile works changes everything. Visitor reviews frequently mention how explanations by library staff—especially Ms. Ayşe—greatly enrich the experience. Groups are advised to notify the library in advance.
The library is located in Sivas's Çarşıbaşı Neighborhood, close to the main city square. It is ideal as a short stop during a self-guided walking tour alongside Sivas's other historic landmarks.
History of the Library
Yusuf Ziya Başara was born in Sivas in 1869 and built a civil service career starting from the Chief Secretariat and extending to acting district governorships. In 1908, at the age of 38, he commissioned this library using his own personal fortune, driven by a firm belief that society would progress through education. In the early years of the Republic, the building was known as 'Ziya Bitik Evi' (Ziya Book House). Though he passed away in 1943, his legacy lives on through this library today.
When to Visit
Because it is a compact space, there is no need to worry about peak hours as it rarely gets crowded. Plan your visit for a weekday since it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you are visiting in a group—especially with an academic interest—calling ahead allows the staff member to dedicate time to introduce and explain individual collection pieces. This aspect is frequently praised in visitor reviews.
How to Get There
The library is located in Çarşıbaşı Neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from Sivas city square. If you are staying in the city center, you can easily walk there. Street parking is available nearby for motorists, though vehicle traffic is limited in these narrow streets that preserve the historical layout.
What to See
From the outside, the building exhibits fine 19th-century Ottoman masonry; its ashlar stone façade makes for a charming photograph. Inside, the true value lies within the collection: among 1,616 manuscripts and over 15,000 printed books, Charles Texier's original period prints stand out. Visitors note that having the chance to examine these prints up close is a rare privilege. The single-room interior is simple, yet the density of works lining the shelves is striking.
Nearby Attractions
Given its location close to Sivas's historical center, the library can easily be combined with nearby landmarks like Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, and Ulu Cami into a single walking itinerary. It serves as an excellent short stop on a half-day Sivas city center tour.
Things to Keep in Mind
The facility is a small, single-room building, so adjust your expectations accordingly rather than anticipating a large museum. Visitors without an interest in history, art history, or archaeology might find the contents limited. However, for interested visitors, guidance from the staff completely transforms the visit. If possible, plan ahead by notifying the staff of your arrival.
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