History of Rami Barracks and Rami Library
History of Rami Barracks
Rami Barracks (Rami Kışlası) is a historical structure built for military purposes located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul. The structure, first named Rami Barracks Farm (Rami Kışlası Çiftliği), was built in the Rami district during the reign of Sultan Mustafa III of the Ottoman Empire for military logistics purposes.
It began to be known as Rami Barracks after it was rebuilt for the Asâkir-i Mansûre-i Muhammediyye army, which was established following the abolition of the Janissary Corps. The barracks were first used in 1828.
Throughout the 19th century, the barracks served as an important training and headquarters center for the Ottoman army. It hosted a military operation that Sultan Mahmud II personally directed from inside the barracks during the 1828-29 Ottoman-Russian War.
The barracks maintained its function during the Republican Era and was used for military purposes until 1971. After this date, the barracks were transferred to the central administration.
Rami Dry Food Market (Rami Kuru Gıda Hali)
In 1985, the dry food wholesalers' market located in Eminönü was moved into prefabricated shops within the Rami Barracks area. It served here for exactly 36 years. Following the closure of the Rami wholesale market, the businesses located there were relocated to the Şahintepe Dry Food Market constructed in Başakşehir.
Rami Car Market and Rami Public Market (Sosyete Pazarı)
The open spaces within the Rami Barracks complex were previously used as a park and sports area. After 1985, they were used as a park and café area, and after the year 2000, they began serving under the Eyüp Municipality as the Rami Car Market and the Rami Public Market.
Rami Library
The idea of transforming the Rami Barracks into a library began with the "Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture" efforts. The restoration, renovation, and reconstruction project of Rami Barracks, initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2014, was completed in 2023.
The restoration work was completed in January 2023, and the complex was opened as a library and cultural center. The courtyard in the center of the rectangular-planned barracks was converted into a green landscape area. The mosque located within the barracks was also repaired and reopened for use. Covering an area of 220 decares (220,000 m²), with 36,000 m² of closed area and a 51,000 m² courtyard, Rami Library stands out as one of Istanbul's largest and one of Europe's notable library complexes. The seating capacity of the library is 4,200 people.
It houses seven main library sections: Baby and Children's Library, Youth Library, Adult Library, Specialization Library, Atatürk Specialization Library, Manuscript Works Library – Healing Center (Şifahane), and Electronic Resources.
The life spaces available at Rami Library include seminar rooms, exhibition halls, a disability center, reading rooms, workshops, a multimedia section, cafes, and a book sales section. With the services provided in these areas, book lovers can benefit extensively from cultural and educational services. It particularly serves Istanbul as an excellent service complex for students, educators, historians, and culture enthusiasts.
Rami Library is one of the largest libraries in Istanbul. The library contains a total of 21 units, including libraries for children, youth, adults, and specialization. The library holds over 1 million books, magazines, and newspapers.
Rami Library Operating Hours
Rami Library is open seven days a week. The "Reading Rooms" within the campus provide uninterrupted service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some departments are subject to appointment/reservation.
| Section | Hours | Notes |
| F2 Study Hall | 24 Hours / 7 Days | |
| F3 Study Hall | 09:00–21:00 | |
| High School Preparation Library | 09:00–21:00 | |
| University Preparation Library | 09:00–21:00 | |
| Baby Library (Tale 0-3 years) | 10:00–18:00 | Requires reservation for entry. |
| Children's Library (6-14 years) | 09:30–19:00 | Requires reservation for entry. |
| Atatürk Specialization Library | 09:00–19:00 | |
| Specialization Libraries | 09:00–20:00 | |
| Book Healing Center (Kitap Şifahanesi) | 09:00–20:00 |
Rami Library Contact Information
Address: Rami Kışla Müdürlüğü, Yeni Rami Mahallesi, Rami Kışla Caddesi, No. 98/1 Eyüpsultan / İstanbul (Under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
E-mail: info@ramikutuphanesi.gov.tr
Phone: 0(212) 934 38 55
How to Get to Rami Library
By Bus: Use buses numbered 36V, 37A, 37E, 37Y, 38, 38B, 38Z, 88A, 50A, 50P, 36M, 336E, 36A, 36KE. Visitors should get off at the Talimhane Caddesi stop or Rami Yolu stop. The walking distance from the stop to the library is 5 minutes.
By Metro:
Those using the M1A Yenikapı - Atatürk Airport and M1B Yenikapı – Kirazlı metro lines should get off at Bayrampaşa metro stop and transfer to the T4 tram line at the Demirkapı stop.
Those using the M7 Yıldız-Mahmutbey metro line can get off at Karadeniz Mahallesi stop, transfer at the T4 Kiptaş-Venezia stop, and reach the Rami stop.
By Minibus: Use minibuses A-27 and A-74, which start from Edirnekapı, Topkapı, or Aksaray. Visitors should get off at Rami Kışla Caddesi or Talimhane Caddesi stop.
By Tram: Take the T4 Topkapı-Mescid-i Selam Tram Line and get off at the Rami stop.
By Metrobus: Get off at the Edirnekapı-Şehitlik Metrobus stop and take an IETT bus or minibus passing through the Şehitlik IETT stop.
You can find information about events at https://ramikutuphanesi.gov.tr.
Rami Barracks Library is one of Istanbul's important historical and cultural structures. Serving as a library, the barracks continues to serve Istanbul residents and visitors.
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