Turkish library in Kazakhstan offers 50,000 books

ASTANA – Anadolu Agency

A Turkish library in Kazakhstan is attracting domestic and foreign experts and students of Turkish studies with a total of nearly 50,000 books and manuscripts.

The Turkish Library, located in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in the Kazakh capital Astana, has copies of books, manuscripts and works of renowned experts of Turkish studies, including Istvan Kongur, Abdulveli Kaydar, Abjan Kurisjanuli and Zeki Velidi Togan.

“I am doing a thesis on Turkish-Kazakh terminology. I can find the necessary information here,” said one student from the Turcology Department of the Lev Gumilev Eurasian National University.

The library was opened in 2010 with nearly 1,500 books given by Kazakhstan Scientific Library and around 850 books from Turkey. Now the number of books has reached a total of 50,000.

The purpose of opening the library was to create a specialized library of Turkish studies, said librarian Akedil Toysanuli, adding they have a direct relationship with academics researching Turcology.

“Our library currently has 150 of Zeki Velidi Togan’s books from Turkey,” Toysanuli added, referring to the 20th century Turkologist.

In addition, 15 books and hand writings of the Hungarian expert of Turkish studies Ivan Konor Mandoki were also donated to the library by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

The Kazakh authorities say the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a “symbol of friendship, unity and peace,” and it features an Academy of the Turkic World.