Yanbol Synagogue

The synagogue in Balat, Istanbul, was built in the early 15th century by Romaniote Jews who lived in Byzantine lands during the Byzantine Empire, and later took its name from the region when Jews from Yanbolu, Bulgaria used it.

Yanbol Synagogue, which has Byzantine-era buildings in its courtyard, is made of stone and its ceiling is decorated with oil paintings of nature. It is understood from traveler testimonies and inscriptions that the main building was rebuilt in the 17th or 18th century following a fire disaster, and underwent major repairs in 1709, 1865 and 1895.

There are three things that must be present in synagogues. These are Ehal / Aron ha-Kodeş (sacred cabinet), Ner Tamid (permanently burning light) and Teva / Bima (pulpit). The Aron ha-Kodeş consists of a cabinet containing the handwritten Torah scrolls (Sefer Torah) and in a way forms the mihrab in the synagogue. The Teva is a high platform located right in front of the Aron ha-Kodeş or in the middle of the synagogue. The Yanbol Synagogue, on the other hand, is reached by passing through a gilded railing and climbing two steps to the Ehal, which has a wooden door inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The Azara (women's section in synagogues) is supported by wooden supports nailed to the ceiling. Instead of depictions of Jerusalem, depictions from Yanbol are seen on the raised part of the ceiling in the center of the Synagogue, in order to keep the congregation's roots and identity awareness constantly alive.

Since there are no Yanbol Jews left in Balat, it can only be opened for prayer and worship on important holidays and the Sabbath (rest day) that falls on Saturday. Today, there are inactive temples called Selaniko, Eliyahu, and Kasturya in the Balat region. The Shtipol Synagogue is the 'only wooden' synagogue in Istanbul.

Yanbol Synagogue was included in the List of Cultural Assets in Need of Protection with the decision dated September 16, 1987 and published in the Official Gazette dated June 9, 1989, with Serial No. 64.

Photo Source: https://www.avlaremoz.com/2020/05/06/bu-sinagoglari-hatirliyor-musunuz/ & https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanbol_Sinagogu