National Library of Aleppo دار الكتب الوطنية | |
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.jpg) The National Library (left) andBab al-Faraj Clock Tower (right) | |
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| Location | Aleppo,Syria |
| Type | National Library |
| Established | 1924 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 100,000 |
TheNational Library of Aleppo (Arabic:دار الكتب الوطنية) is aSyriannational library in the northern city ofAleppo. It was opened in 1924, at the Islamic awqaf department inKhan al-Jumrok at the time of theFrench Mandate.
In 1924, a decision to open a national library in Aleppo was passed by the central government inDamascus to become a branch of the Arab Scientific Academy. SheikhKamel al-Ghazzi became the first director of the library.
In 1937, the construction of the new library building was set in theBab al-Faraj square, adjacent to the famous clock tower. The construction was completed in 1939. The inauguration of the new library building was delayed due to the circumstances duringWorld War II. Finally, on 4 December 1945, the new building was opened by the efforts of the Aleppo governor princeMustafa al-Shihabi, with a collection of 6,000 books.[1]
The library remained under the administration of the Aleppo municipality until 1954 when the building was redeveloped and became under the direct administration of theSyrian Ministry of Culture.[2]
Currently, the library contains a collection of 100,000 books. The building has a small theatre hall with 300 seats.
36°12′13″N37°09′10″E / 36.20361°N 37.15278°E /36.20361; 37.15278
