Restored 181-year-old church turned library draws 65,000 visitors in Adana

2026-02-24 - 12:12

The Adana Provincial Public Library, housed in the 181-year-old Aya Nikola Church following the destruction of its original building in the 2023 earthquake, has attracted more than 65,000 visitors over the past 16 months, officials reported on February 17, 2026. The historic structure's transformation into a cultural venue has drawn significant interest from readers and tourists alike. Cultural Adaptation The adaptive reuse of the historic church preserves its architectural heritage while serving the community's educational needs. The building's unique atmosphere—combining centuries-old stone walls with modern library facilities—has become a destination in itself, offering visitors an immersive reading environment unlike any other in the region. Post-Earthquake Recovery The relocation represents part of broader efforts to restore cultural infrastructure following the devastating February 2023 earthquakes that damaged thousands of buildings across southern Türkiye. The library's success demonstrates how heritage preservation and public service can converge in post-disaster recovery, providing both functional utility and cultural continuity.