Kastamonu Manuscript Library receives recreated historic marble inscription

A historic marble inscription belonging to the Kastamonu Manuscript Library has been recreated and donated to the institution. The original inscription had broken into four pieces after falling, making direct restoration difficult.

Calligrapher Mahmut Şahin undertook the task of rewriting the inscription to match the original style. Supported by benefactors Seydi Kurtuluş, Hezarfen Hasan Derviş, and collector İbrahim Ethem Gören, the project took approximately three weeks to complete, including the writing and marble engraving process. The new inscription includes the original text as well as the phrase ‘Fiha Kütiben Kayyime’ (meaning ‘it contains valuable books’).

The completed work was presented to Erdal Arslan, the Director of the Kastamonu Manuscript Library. The library holds a significant collection, including 4,386 manuscripts, 10,265 printed works, and 103 precious calligraphy panels.