The library was founded in 1537 from the endowment of Gazi Husrev Bey and still bears his name. The library can be found in the restored building located not far away from the Bey’s Mosque in the heart of Baščaršija.
The library building represents a place where tradition meets modernity. It was built and equipped with the help of the state of Qatar and it was the first building at that time intended solely as a library.
The current Acting Director of the library, Muhamed Hodžić, informed us of the interesting fact that during this year only, the library was visited by 50.000 people and close to 11.500 used the Reading Room Services; students mostly. That fact speaks for itself about the library’s significance.
The library is rich with more than 100.000 of publications. The fond contains valuable and centuries old manuscripts, printed books, magazines and rich archive material in three Oriental and several European languages. The Oriental manuscripts of Southwestern Europe represent the greatest contribution to science and culture, not only for B&H but for the region and beyond- Hodžić explained.
The oldest written work held by the library is the fourth volume of the famous work “Ihja Ulumid-din” or “The Encyclopedia of Islam” written by El-Gazali. This work was rewritten in 1106, five years after Gazali’s death.
As a part of the library, there is also the Restoration and Conservation Department which is where they repair the most valuable collections. Here this valuable legacy gets back its old glory and significantly prolongs its life.
We work with modern equipment, but lack an adequate workforce. Few people opt for this profession- the restorer Mr . Madžida Smajkić complained.
Source: (Faktor.ba)
