Konya set to open flagship city library, Türkiye’s first zero-carbon building
Planned exteriror of the City Library project under construction in the Konya, Türkiye, image accessed on Mar. 12, 2025. (Photo via Konya Metropolitan Municipality)
Konya Metropolitan Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay announced that the city library, currently under construction, will be one of Türkiye’s model libraries. It is set to become the country’s first zero-carbon building, playing a key role in the fight against climate change.
“Our library will serve as a key reference in the fight against climate change, being Türkiye’s first zero-carbon building. We are bringing one of the country’s most beautiful structures to Konya, designed around existing trees and featuring additional greenery where people can read in the garden. This design is inspired by the architecture of the Beysehir Esrefoglu Mosque,” said Altay.
Konya Metropolitan Municipality is working to complete the city library, Türkiye’s first zero-carbon building. Mayor Altay, who visited the construction site to assess progress, highlighted that work on the library—located at the former municipal building site—is proceeding without interruption.
The library will cater to young people in Konya and provide spaces for reading, meetings, and various activities for people of all ages.
‘We are building one of Türkiye’s exemplary libraries‘
“We are building one of Türkiye’s exemplary libraries in terms of its architecture, aesthetics, and functionality,” Mayor Altay said.
“Additionally, our library will be Türkiye’s first zero-carbon building, becoming a significant reference point in the battle against climate change. We are working day and night on the construction of this building, which will serve as reading rooms, meeting spaces, and more for people of all ages.”
“Of course, we are in the holy month of Ramadan, and despite fasting, our teams are working hard. I would like to thank them on behalf of the people of Konya.”
Design shaped around existing trees
Mayor Altay also mentioned that the building would feature a design focused on wood and stone, materials that blend harmoniously with the city’s character.
“The most important consideration here is the existing tree structure. We have chosen the architecture accordingly,” he maintained.
“Shaped around the existing trees, with additional trees in its garden where people can read books, this will be one of the most beautiful buildings in Türkiye, influenced by the architectural style of Beysehir Esrefoglu Mosque. We are proud to be building something for the youth on one of Konya’s most valuable plots of land. This building will also be a valuable architectural contribution to Konya. I hope it will be a blessing for our city,” the mayor added.
Mayor Altay concluded by expressing his best wishes for the successful completion of the city library, which will become an iconic structure for the city and a hub for learning and culture.
