The first official library established in cooperation between the state and citizens and located in the Selimiye District of Nicosia, the building was built in 1829 by the Governor of Cyprus, Ali Ruhi, during the reign of Mahmud II. Its place is single-domed and its portico is two-domed.

The building, which has classical features, is made of cut stone. On the outer walls of the north, south and west sides, "Maşallah" is written, and above the entrance door is "Fiha kütübün Kayyime" (This is the library).