Famous Synagogues of Istanbul

Istanbul's synagogues are important religious and cultural centers that reflect the multicultural and tolerant nature of the city. These sacred places, stretching from the historical peninsula to Galata, from Balat to Kuzguncuk, bear the traces of the Jewish community in the rich history of the Ottoman Empire.

Ahrida Synagogue

<html>The Ahrida Synagogue, located on Kürkçü Çeşme Street in Balat quarter that is considered one of the most photogenic and touristic area in Fatih district of Istanbul, is qualified as the synagogue with the largest capacity in the city. The synagogue, which was built entirely of masonry stone and brick, has been actively serving since the 15th century. The school in the courtyard of the Ahrida Synagogue, the prie-dieu of which resembles a bow, is definitely worth seeing. Ahrida Synagogue, which was taken under protection by the decision of the Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board on September 16, 1987, first served Romanyot and then Sephardic Orthodox.Although its construction date is not known clearly, as can be understood from a decree dating back to 1693 that Ahrida Synagogue existed before the Conquest of Istanbul (Feth-i Hakani) and named after the town of Ohrid (in Macedonia) where its founders came from. It is considered as the most magnificent among the Western synagogues and also qualified as being the largest.The building, which was previously thought to be two separate synagogues, one Sephardic and the other Romanyot, survived as a single building as a result of the collapse of the wall in between. According to the inscription written in its courtyard, the prie-dieu resembling Noah's Ark in Ahrida Synagogue, which was restored with the initiatives and suggestions of Naim Güleryüz under the guidance of Jak Kamhi and the work of Master Architect Hüsrev Tayla, is one of the most interesting details.Another detail that makes this synagogue, built in Balat by the Jews from Macedonia in the 1400s, important is that Sabetay Sevi, who declared himself as the messiah in the 17th century, preached here when he came to Istanbul</html>

Yeniköy Synagogue

<html>The historical synagogue is located in Yeniköy, one of the attractions of Istanbul with its location and historical sites. It was built in the 1870s. The Synagogue was built by Abraham Salomon Camondo of the Camondo family and underwent a major renovation in 1957 by architect Jak Pardo. The synagogue, which is considered a cultural asset that should be protected, is open to worship. Yeniköy synagogue, which was renovated by the Sadioğlu family in 2000, was inspired by synagogues in Europe and restored as a modern structure. A Suka (gazebo) was also built in the garden of the synagogue, which increased its glory with the lighting arrangement. Among the details that stand out with its elegance is the ‘Relief of Solomon’s Star' on the door of the synagogue, which was designed following its historical texture. After the restoration work, the renovated Yeniköy synagogue, which was opened with a ceremony on June 3, 2001, was also called ‘Tiferet Israel’, which means elegance, cleanliness, and beauty. The synagogue continues to serve every Saturday morning and on holidays today.</html>

Terziler (Tailors) Synagogue

<html>In Istanbul, the Terziler Synagogue in Beyoğlu district, which houses many places of worship inherited from the Ottoman Empire, is located on Felek Street, where there is also a historical hospital in the Galata district. The synagogue was opened in the late 1800s for a leading Jewish community, and it was closed in the 1960s as a result of a significant decline in the community's population. On the other hand, since the founders died without leaving an heir, the issue of its property rights referred to judicial process, and after the recent hearing, a decision was made in favor of the Yüksekkaldırım Ashkenazi Synagogue Foundation. After all, it is known to have remained empty for more than 20 years after the 1960s. After its renovation in the 1980s, it now functions as an intriguing art gallery in a 19th-century atmosphere. The front facade of the historical building which is left between the two buildings faces Felek Street, and the back facade faces Banker Street, another important sightseeing point. You can easily access this place. You can reach its elegant door with a few steps staircase. Its exterior architecture features eclectic architectural details that reflect a very popular style today. A small number of art collections in the interior, along with Modern lighting elements, can be closely examined.</html>

Aşkenazi Synagogue

<html>The Ashkenazi Synagogue, located close to Galata Tower in Beyoğlu, one of Istanbul's most central districts, is the only active Ashkenazi synagogue in the city. The Austrian origin Ashkenazi Jewish Synagogue was established in the year 1900, and it is the only synagogue that survived from the three Ashkenazi synagogues built in Turkey.The Ashkenazi Synagogue, located on Beyoğlu Banker Street, is a unique building with its brightly colored and wide dome decorated with stars. The synagogue, which attracts great attention with its eye-catching chandeliers brought from Vienna, bears the traces of typical Ottoman architecture in general terms. Besides, the Ashkenazi Synagogue, where the motifs of Islamic architecture can be seen, is still a place where Ashkenazi traditions are still maintained. But, it is possible to say that worship and religious ceremonies continue.In the Ashkenazi Synagogue, where Sabbath prayers are performed every Saturday morning, weekday prayers also take place following the Ashkenazi tradition. The migration of Ashkenazi from Germany to Turkey is realized in the 14th century at first. The Ashkenazi Synagogue, where the double plates with precisely the Ten Commandments are also worth seeing, and it is one of the rare synagogues with two women's balconies (Azara).The Ashkenazi Synagogue, where ceremonies such as Bar Mitzvah and weddings are held under the Ashkenazi traditions, attracts many local and foreign tourists, regardless of which religion they belong to, with its proximity to Istiklal Avenue. Aside from Vienna's chandeliers, numerous plates in the synagogue are also in the German language. Since 2003, Mendy Chitrik has been the rabbi of the Ashkenazi Synagogue.</html>

Neve Shalom Synagogue

Neve Şalom Synagogue is located in the Karaköy region of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul and is the largest synagogue of the Sephardic Jewish community in Turkey. This impressive synagogue, opened on March 25, 1951, attracts attention with its original architecture and historical importance. Neve Shalom means "Oasis of Peace" in Turkish, and this name is in line with the synagogue's ideal of being a place of worship in peace and tranquility. Designed by architects Elyo Ventura and Bernar Motola, it was built on the site of a building that was once a Jewish Primary School. Neve Shalom Synagogue is known as one of the most active synagogues in Turkey and hosts a variety of religious events such as Shabbat services, weddings, funerals, Bar Mitzvahs, circumcision ceremonies and religious holidays. Today, Neve Shalom Synagogue continues to play a central role in the religious and cultural life of the Turkish Jewish Community. Neve Şalom, an important stop for visitors who want to explore the Jewish heritage in Istanbul, attracts attention with both its architectural beauty and historical importance. It also offers a rich cultural experience with a variety of events held during Hanukkah and other Jewish holidays.

Hazırlayan

GeziBilen

Dijital Rehber