Ahmet Arif Literature Museum Library

Ahmet Arif Literature Museum Library

Born in Diyarbakır in 1927, the celebrated poet Ahmet Arif is remembered as one of the most powerful voices of modern Turkish literature, particularly with his iconic work “Hasretinden Prangalar Eskittim.” Known as a master of the Turkish language, his only poetry book became one of the highest-selling poetry collections in Turkey. Many of his unforgettable poems—such as “Akşam Erken İner Mahpushaneye,” “Karanfil Sokağı,” and “Terk etmedi Sevdan Beni”—remain deeply influential. The poet passed away on 2 June 1991.

In 2011, a 120-year-old traditional Diyarbakır mansion was restored and opened by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as the Ahmed Arif Literature Museum Library, dedicated to the memory of the poet. Located in Diyarbakır’s historic Sur district, the museum is one of the finest examples of local residential architecture, featuring six rooms and an open courtyard. It is also situated close to the Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House Museum, forming an important cultural corridor.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum showcases:

• Ahmed Arif’s personal belongings, including his glasses, typewriter, and handwritten poem drafts
• Photographs of the poet and writers from Southeastern Anatolia
• His poems displayed on the courtyard walls
• A large portrait of Ahmed Arif and his celebrated “Anadolu” poem in the main courtyard
• Eyvan walls decorated with photographs of regional literary figures

The second floor features a dedicated section exhibiting the poet’s private items and manuscripts.

Library Collection

The Literature Museum Library hosts a rich collection of approximately 2,500 books, including:

• Works by writers and poets from Diyarbakır and 11 surrounding provinces
• Books in various regional languages such as Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, Arabic, reflecting the multicultural heritage of the region
• All works by Nobel Prize–winning authors, presented in a special section
• Periodicals, local history books, and resources about Diyarbakır’s socio-economic and cultural structure

A quiet reading room allows researchers and literature enthusiasts to benefit from the archive.

Purpose and Mission

The museum aims to:

• Bring writers visiting the city together with local authors and poets
• Host literary talks, cultural events, and artistic activities
• Support research in literature, cultural studies, and regional history
• Preserve and promote the literary memory of Diyarbakır and surrounding provinces
• Serve as a meeting point for writers, researchers, students, and lovers of literature

Ahmed Arif’s deep connection with Diyarbakır—reflected in his poems, imagery, and folkloric references—has made him a beloved figure in the city. His poetry continues to resonate strongly, as demonstrated by the historic reading of his poem “Anadolu” by 30,000 people in Siverek on 25 September 2012.