The historical library in Yozgat's Akdağmadeni district, which once served as a prison, opens its doors to visitors as a peaceful haven of knowledge, bearing traces from the past to the present.
While the exact date of construction of the library, located in the district center, is unknown, its architectural features suggest it dates back to the 19th century. The structure, originally built as a caravanserai (han), was used as a prison for a long time before being registered under the name "prison" by a decision of the Anıtlar Yüksek Kurulu (High Council of Monuments). Today, Tiftik Han, which serves as the District Public Library, stands as an important example within the characteristic plan typology of Ottoman urban caravanserais, belonging to the group of single-courtyard, two-story, and arcaded hans. With 4,169 active members, the library not only offers a peaceful environment for reading and activities but also serves as a popular destination for visitors interested in history.
Nine-year-old Tayyip Arda Turgut, a library member and reader, advised his peers, saying, "I borrow books from the library. My goal is to read 100-150 books. This year, I've read over 150 books. I want to read 200 books. We came here in first grade. I loved it a lot. In second grade, I started coming and borrowing books. Thanks to this, I've read many books. Children should set goals like me. If they've read 150 books, I recommend they read 200 or 250 books next year."
"I want to win a medal like my elder brother."
Seven-year-old Muhammed Anıl Turgut said, "I got hope from my elder brother. Since my brother reads a lot, he inspired me. I also love books very much, so I started reading. I have read 25 books so far. I want to win a medal like my elder brother. Children should start reading books; that's how they'll win medals. By reading books, I've become a very smart student."
"Our library was first opened as Tiftik Han."
Akdağmadeni District Public Library Director Davut Şahin touched upon the library's history, stating, "Our library was first opened and developed as Tiftik Han. Later, it was used as a prison building until 1980. It was closed after the 1980 military coup and remained vacant until 2011. It was transformed into a library through a project initiated by the Kütüphaneler ve Yayımlar Genel Müdürlüğü (General Directorate of Libraries and Publications) with the theme 'Libraries that Heal.' During the transformation phase, our İl Kültür Müdürlüğü (Provincial Directorate of Culture) and our Valilik (Governorship) put in a lot of effort and provided significant support."
"Our guests from outside both tour the place and examine our books."
Şahin stated, "As of 2026, according to the statistics for the first 6 months, our library currently has 4,169 active members. In the first 6-month period, we lent out 7,250 books. The library actively serves its intended purposes. Our users and readers actively utilize this place, preferring the atmosphere of the historical setting and the coolness of the building. Our guests from outside also both tour the place and examine our books. Our collection has grown significantly with the support of our Ministry. We currently have over 36,000 books. We have elders who refresh their memories here, saying, 'We stayed here back in the day.' Young people, on the other hand, explore the historical site, feeling its unique texture."
Visitors to the library express their satisfaction with the historical building being utilized in this way, stating that everyone should see it. - YOZGAT