The “Centenary Library,” a collection of 1400 books created by the Turkish Historical Society in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Republic, has opened at the Near East University Grand Library, making it the first and only one of its kind in Cyprus.
The Near East University Grand Library, which ranks among the world’s leading libraries with approximately 4 million books, now hosts another special collection reflecting the intellectual legacy of the Republic. The “Centenary Library,” established by the Turkish Historical Society in honor of Turkey’s 100th anniversary, has opened at the Near East University Grand Library.

Opened by the President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, and the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, the “Centenary Library” brings together 1,400 works reflecting the historical, political, cultural, and social accumulation of the Republic.

The collection, prepared with a broad perspective extending from the founding process of the Republic to the present day, includes numerous works on the history of the Republic, Atatürk’s principles and reforms, political developments, social transformation, and culture and art. Distinguished by its thematic structure, the library aims to be a comprehensive reference source for all readers who wish to become closely acquainted with the intellectual heritage of the Republic, in addition to academic studies.

At the opening ceremony of the special collection, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and the President of the Turkish Historical Society Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen delivered speeches. Following the opening, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen visited the Cyprus Car Museum and the GÜNSEL Art Museum located on the Near East University Campus, having the opportunity to examine firsthand the strong infrastructure the university has created in the fields of culture, art, and history.

Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen stated: “This special library that we have established at Near East University will continue to grow with the addition of new books every year.”
Recalling that the Turkish Historical Society was founded on April 15, 1931, by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the veteran founder of the Republic of Turkey, with the aim of researching and introducing Turkish history to the world using scientific methods, the President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, stated that since its establishment, the institution has contributed approximately 2,500 works, with millions of copies printed, to universities in Turkey and libraries around the world. Stating that they continue their work in line with the path drawn by Atatürk and under the close supervision of the President, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen emphasized that the “Turkish Historical Society Centenary Library” was established in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic.

Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen said, “Today, accessing information is quite easy thanks to digital environments, but the place of the book can never be filled.” Expressing that libraries are not only gateways to knowledge but also to thought and science for students, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen added, “This special library that we have established at Near East University will continue to grow by adding new books every year.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This endeavor is extremely valuable not only for our university but also for the entire Turkic world.”
Expressing his pleasure at hosting the President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, and his delegation at their university, the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “This endeavor is extremely valuable not only for our university but also for the entire Turkic world.” Stating that the collection will play an important role in bringing the intellectual heritage of the Republic to young people and in helping students gain historical awareness, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “I would like to thank the entire delegation, especially the President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, for their efforts.”

Stating that the cooperation between Near East University and the Turkish Historical Society will continue to increase in the coming period, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Our relations will continue to strengthen from now on.”