North Cyprus · Nicosia
Sultan Mahmut II Library
Knowledge and Ottoman endowment tradition carved in stone
History
The Sultan Mahmut II Library holds the distinction of being the first official library in Cyprus. Located in the Selimiye District of Nicosia, it was commissioned in 1829 by the Ottoman governor Ali Ruhi under the reign of Sultan Mahmut II. It was built with public and governmental support, symbolizing the value placed on knowledge. Constructed with cut stone in classical Ottoman style, its walls feature inscriptions such as “Maşallah” and “Fîhâ kutubun kayyime” (“It contains upright and valuable books”), enhancing its aesthetic and cultural value. The library once housed many rare books reflecting the scholarly richness of the time and still serves as a historical space steeped in knowledge.