Rami Library

Category: Educational
Type: Library
Location: Yeni Rami, Rami Kışla Ave. Eyüpsultan
Date: 1826-1828 / 2022
Period: Ottoman Empire / Republic of Türkiye
Designer: Unknown / Han Tümertekin
Photos: Cemal Emden, caps.

Rami Library, realized through the adaptive reuse of the Rami Barracks, was designed by Mimarlar and Han Tümertekin. Built in the 18th century, the Rami Barracks is a high-volume, single-story structure with a square plan organized around a central courtyard. The project was shaped around the concept of a “living library,” merging the knowledge of the past with contemporary research opportunities. It aims to create a holistic public space open to visitors of all ages, facilitating intergenerational learning. During the design process, a minimal intervention approach was adopted, prioritizing the preservation of the building’s original spatial qualities while removing elements added over time. Original spaces were allocated for new functions such as manuscript collections, children’s and adult libraries, and reading rooms. The library sections are interconnected by a main corridor 1.4 kilometers long and 5 meters wide. A portion of this corridor is designed with amphitheater-style seating for informal gatherings. To accommodate new functional requirements, mezzanine levels integrated into the structural systems of the bookshelves were added. During the restoration process, damaged sections of the building were reconstructed using original materials and techniques. In line with sustainability principles, waste management and energy efficiency systems were also implemented. By preserving its architectural heritage, Rami Library provides a robust infrastructure for contemporary knowledge production and sharing. With its spatial continuity, public accessibility, and learning-oriented approach, it brings a fresh breath to the cultural life of Istanbul.

Aerial view of a large, green garden surrounded by historic buildings in an urban setting, with a city skyline in the background.
Aerial view of a landscaped garden surrounded by a rectangular building with red roofs, featuring pathways, greenery, and seating areas.
Aerial view of a landscaped garden with pathways and greenery, surrounded by buildings and urban architecture in the background.
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A serene park scene featuring a pond with ducks, surrounded by lush greenery and walking paths, leading to a historic building in the background under a clear blue sky.
View of a modern library named 'RAMI' with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a pond. A sculpture of a figure stands near the water.
A scenic view of a landscaped park featuring green trees, ornamental grasses, and a pond, with several birds along the water's edge and a building in the background.
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A landscaped park area with wooden pathways, green grass, and trees under a clear blue sky.
A beautifully lit pathway leading through a park at dusk, lined with trees and greenery, with a building visible in the background.
Outdoor park area featuring multicolored seating blocks surrounded by trees and clear blue sky.
A serene pathway winding through a landscaped park with scattered trees and shrubs, featuring a clear blue sky and a distant building with a steeple.
A person standing on a pathway in a green park surrounded by trees and shrubs, with a sign indicating directions.
A serene landscape featuring a calm water body surrounded by trees and modern wooden walkways, with a warm glow from lights reflecting on the water at dusk.
A spacious modern library interior featuring wooden beams and high ceilings, with rows of bookshelves on one side and study tables occupied by people.
Modern library interior featuring stone walls, wooden beams, and a spiral staircase leading to a book-filled upper level.
Interior view of a historic stone building featuring arched doorways, wooden ceilings, and modern seating area with gray chairs, a table, and a digital kiosk.
A modern urban landscape featuring a walkway with people strolling, flanked by contemporary buildings and greenery, leading to a historic mosque with a tall minaret in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Interior view of a long, spacious corridor featuring stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, and recessed lighting. Benches line one side of the corridor, with people visible in the distance.
A modern library interior featuring a sleek spiral staircase, wooden beams, and book shelves along a long corridor.
Interior of a modern library featuring wooden floors, high ceilings, and bookshelves filled with books. Workstations are visible, with people reading and studying.

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