Historic Synagogues of Istanbul
Judaism is one of the oldest religions in today's Turkey. We can trace the marks of Judaism starting from the 4th century BCE in the western side of Turkey. The oldest standing Synagogue, for example, is located in an ancient city named Sardes. While the population of Jews was relatively high until 1940, then because of several political reasons, the number started decreasing. Today according to the Chief Rabbinate, the number of Jews in Turkey is around 25.000. Here is the list of some of the synagogues that is good to see in Istanbul;
Special Note: The synagogues in Istanbul can be visited only with special permission from the Chief Rabbinate. It is mandatory to give donations to the synagogues after the visits. You have to keep your passports with you and present if asked during the visit for security purposes.
Ashkenazi (Austrian) Synagogue
Located not far from the Galata Tower, Ashkenazi Synagogue was built in the year 1900. For its construction, there was significant economic help coming from Austria. That's why the second name of the Synagogue is the Austrian Synagogue. Today this is the only Synagogue that makes daily prayers twice a day. There are only 1000 Ashkenazi Jews left in Turkey, and they are using this Synagogue as their headquarters for prayers, funerals, or social gatherings.
Ashkenazi Synagogue closed permanently.
Neve Shalom Synagogue
One of the newest yet the biggest synagogues of the Galata region or perhaps in Turkey is Neve Shalom. Opened in the year 1952, it has a capacity of 300 people. It is a Sephardim Synagogue, and it hosts a museum of the history of Turkish Jews and a cultural center. Being a new synagogue, the Neve Shalom suffered terrorist attacks three times. At the beginning of the street, there is a monument for those who lost their lives in the final attack.
How to get to Neve Shalom Synagogue
From Sultanahmet to Neve Shalom Synagogue: Take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet station to Karakoy station and walk around 15 minutes to the Neve Shalom Synagogue. Also, you can take the metro M1 from Vezneciler station, get off at Sisli station and walk around 5 minutes to Neve Shalom Synagogue.
Opening hours: Neve Shalom Synagogue is open every from 09:00 to 17:00 (Friday from 09:00 to 15:00), except Saturday.
Ahrida Synagogue
The oldest Synagogue in Istanbul is Ahrida Synagogue. its history went back to the 15th century and opened initially as a Roman synagogue. There is a midrash next to the Synagogue, functioning as a religious school for many years. Today the midrash is still visible, but it is not functioning anymore because of the number of Jews in the area. There is a wooden Teva which is the place to put the Thorah during the sermon in the shape of a boat. The boat symbolizes Noah's Ark or the ships sent by the Ottoman Sultan in the 15th century inviting Jews to Istanbul during the Alhambra Decree. Today it is a Sephardim synagogue.
How to get Ahrida Synagogue
From Sultanahmet to Ahrida Synagogue: Take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet station to Eminonu station and change to the bus (bus numbers: 99A, 99, 399c), get off Balat station, and walk around 5-10 minutes.
From Taksim to Ahrida Synagogue: Take the M1 metro from Taksim station to Halic station, change to the bus (bus numbers: 99A, 99, 399c), get off Balat station, and walk for around 5-10 minutes.
Opening Hours: Ahrida Synagogue is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00
Hemdat Israel Synagogue
Hemdat Israel is located in the Asia of Istanbul in Kadikoy. After the Synagogue in the Kuzguncuk area was burnt down during a fire. The Jews of the region moved to Kadikoy. They wanted to build a synagogue for their religious services, but the Muslims and the Armenians didn't like the idea. There was a big fight over its construction until the Sultan sent some troops from the nearby army garrison. With the help of the Sultan's troops, it was built and opened in the year 1899. Hemdat means thanks in Hebrew. So that was the thanksgiving of the Jews to the Sultan sending his troops to secure the Synagogue's construction. Hemdat israel was chosen several times as the best Synagogue to see by several magazines in the world.
How to get Hemdat Israel Synagogue
From Sultanahmet to Hemday Israel Synagogue: Take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet station to Eminonu station, change to Kadikoy cruise, get off Kadikoy port and walk for around 10 minutes. Also, you can take the T1 tram from Sultanahmet station to Eminonu station, change to the Marmaray train station, take the Marmaray train from Sirkeci station to Sogutlucesme station and walk around 15-20 minutes to Hemdat Israel Synagogue.
From Taksim to Hemdat Israel Synagogue: Take the F1 funicular from Taksim station to Kabatas station, change to Katabas port, take Kadikoy Cruise, get off Kadikoy Port and walk for around 10 minutes. Also, you can take the M1 metro from Taksim station to Yenikapi station, change to Yenikapi Marmaray station, get off at Sogutlucesme station and walk around 15-20 minutes to Hemdat Israel Synagogue.
Opening Hours: Unknown
The Final Word
Turkey is famous for its versatility in hosting several religions peacefully in the region. There are many historical aspects of many religions in Turkey, especially in Istanbul. Historic Synagogues of Istanbul are one of the heritage of the Jewish community in Turkey. Jewish historic sites are attracting many tourists to Istanbul.