Yusuf Ağa Library

Yusuf Ağa Library – Konya

📍 Location: Adjacent to the western side of Selimiye Mosque, Konya
📅 Year of Construction: 1795
🏗 Commissioned by: Yusuf Ağa (Mint Treasurer, Steward of Mihrişah Sultan)
📚 Collection: Rare manuscripts and old printed works

Konya’s Historical Memory: Yusuf Ağa Library

One of the most significant historical libraries in Konya, Yusuf Ağa Library is located on the western side of Sultan Selim Mosque and serves as a scholarly center preserving rare manuscripts and early printed books.

The library was commissioned by Yusuf Ağa, the Mint Treasurer, during his tenure as the steward of Mihrişah Sultan, mother of Sultan Selim III. The architectural supervisor of the structure was Mehmed Sâdık, and it was completed in 1795.

Architectural Features

🏛 Stonework: Constructed using Gödene stone, a well-known local material from Konya.
🕌 Dome Structure: Covered with a lead-clad dome.
📜 Inscriptions: The building contains six inscriptions on its exterior and interior surfaces.
🚪 Entrance: The original entrance connects to Selimiye Mosque, but today access is through a modified window entrance.

A Rich Collection

📚 Works Found in the Library

📌 Over 3,000 handwritten manuscripts
📌 More than 8,000 old printed books
📌 All manuscripts have been digitized and are available for researchers

Yusuf Ağa Library operates under the Konya Regional Directorate of Manuscripts and is recognized as one of Turkey’s most important libraries specializing in handwritten manuscripts.

A Treasure for Scholars and Researchers

🖥 Digital Archive: Since all manuscripts in the library have been digitized, researchers and scholars can access them electronically.

🔎 Valuable Ottoman and Seljuk Sources: The library houses rare manuscripts and printed works from the Ottoman, Seljuk, and earlier periods.

📖 Historical Deeds: The library possesses three waqf (endowment) documents, one of which is still preserved in the collection.

Visiting Information

📍 Location: West of Selimiye Mosque, near Mevlana Museum
🕰 Visiting Hours: Open on weekdays
🔍 For Researchers: Digitized works are accessible for academic studies

Conclusion: A Library Preserving Konya’s Cultural Heritage

As one of Turkey’s most important manuscript libraries, Yusuf Ağa Library continues to preserve historical documents, rare books, and Ottoman architectural heritage. It stands as a testament to the literary and cultural legacy of the region. If you are visiting Konya and have an interest in history, this remarkable library is a must-see! 📚✨