Today, Gazi Husrev-bey’s library marked 480 years since its founding. On this occasion, in the premises of the Library, the monography and the documentary “Seven letters about the Gazi Husrev-bey’s Library”, made by Enes Karic and Dinno Kasalo were shown. In addition, guests were invited to visit the exhibition as well.
This institution was established in 1537 and has played a crucial role in the collection and preservation of documentary heritage for nearly half a millennium and is highly relevant to the study of the spiritual and cultural history of Bosniaks, as well as all the people of BiH.
The director of the Library, Mr. Osman Lavić said that the library collection contains about 100,000 library units, including approximately 10,500 valuable manuscripts written in oriental languages.
“Serial publications, newspapers, and magazines, which were published in this area in the last 150 years and which are an essential source in the study of our cultural history, can be found in the Library” added Lavić.
Today, while celebrating 480 years of existence, the Library annually serves 20,000 students and researchers, who have access to the digital version of the processed material.
“The entire library represents a rich history, a possible broad view of the history of Bosnia,” said the professor at the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIN) Ismet Bušatlić.
At the exhibition, guests could see the instruments that astronomers (Muvekiti) used to determine the time, to make the calendar, to determine the direction of Qibla, but also to navigate the seas.
The exhibition was opened by the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH Husein ef. Kavazović, and a ceremony for the millennial history of the Gazi Husrev-bey Library was attended by renowed figures from the religious, cultural and political sectors in BiH, as well as diplomats.
The jubilee of this public and the scientific institution will be marked by various facilities throughout the year, such as projects, promotions, and exhibitions.
