The BIAA Library holds a rich collection of over 65,000 resources, including books, theses, maps, journals, audio-visual materials and archival collections. The library’s core collections include Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, and Ottoman and Contemporary Turkish Studies. These reflect the intellectual engagement of the BIAA since its foundation in 1947.
Search the Library Catalogue
The Advanced Search feature provides more granular and specific search results and also allows users to browse individual shelves of the BIAA Library. Additionally, be sure to explore the New Arrivals section to view newly added and recently catalogued materials.
The Library also offers on-site access to select journals available through JSTOR and Cambridge Core.
The Library was founded in 1948, one year after the establishment of the BIAA. In 2018, it was renamed in honour of the Institute’s former Director, David H. French. The library holds a rich collection of more than 65,000 resources, including books, journals, theses, maps, and audio-visual materials.
The library reflects the intellectual engagement of the BIAA since its foundation as an institute dedicated to archaeology in Türkiye. Its collections span the full breadth of archaeological research, from the Bronze Age (3300–1200 BC) to the Byzantine period. These holdings have been significantly enriched by generous donations from David H. French, Stephen Mitchell, and similar scholars who have benefited from and contributed to the library’s resources.
Recently, the library began collecting for the Institute’s new initiatives of Cultural Heritage and Ottoman and Contemporary Turkish Studies. In 2007, the library received a British Academy grant to begin systematically developing collections of Ottoman and Contemporary Turkish Studies. This collection includes historical, architectural, political, and archival works, most prominently from the 19th century to the present.
