A remarkable architectural transformation has taken place in Turkey, where the historic Rami Barracks has been converted into a contemporary public library through an innovative adaptive reuse project. The Rami Library, designed by Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy, represents a successful marriage of 19th-century military architecture with modern public infrastructure needs.
The project encompasses an impressive total area of 87,000 square meters, with 36,000 square meters of indoor space and 51,000 square meters of open areas. Completed in 2023, this ambitious undertaking required careful coordination between multiple specialists and construction teams to preserve the historical integrity while meeting contemporary library standards.
The original Rami Barracks was constructed between 1826 and 1828 for the Asakir-i Mansure-i Muhammediye, a reformed military unit of the Ottoman Empire. The building is attributed to architect Seyyid Abdülhalim Efendi and features a distinctive single-story design organized around a monumental central courtyard. This historic layout provided an excellent foundation for the library's new function, offering natural gathering spaces and optimal circulation patterns.
The design team, led by principle architects Han Tümertekin, Zehra Uçar, and Ferhat Zeycan, adopted a strategy centered on clarity, spatial continuity, and minimal intervention. Their approach respected the building's architectural heritage while introducing necessary modern amenities. The architectural team included Zeynep Tümertekin, İdil Arasan, Alp Fahri Ardıç, Muhammed Ali Arslan, Furkan Kanmaz, Başak Özen, Beyza Uysal, and Merve Yılmaz, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this complex project.
The transformation required expertise from multiple disciplines, including structural engineering by Mehmet Uçar, lighting consultation by Melike Çulcuoğlu, and landscape design by Cemil Aktaş and Pınar Aktaş. Electrical engineering was handled by Cengiz Kürkçü, while the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey provided oversight through architect Sonay Sakar.
Construction was carried out by ABMA Construction Restorations, LLC in partnership with Kancul Construction, companies specializing in heritage building restoration and adaptive reuse projects. The project required careful attention to preservation standards while implementing modern building systems and accessibility features required for a public library.
The adaptive reuse approach preserved the building's historic character while introducing contemporary library functions including reading areas, computer stations, meeting rooms, and administrative spaces. The central courtyard was maintained as a focal point, providing natural light and ventilation throughout the facility while serving as an outdoor reading and community gathering space.
This project represents a growing trend in architectural conservation where historic military structures are repurposed for civilian use. The Rami Library demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor a building's past while serving contemporary community needs, creating a valuable cultural resource that bridges Turkey's military heritage with its modern educational infrastructure.
