Notable Synagogues in Istanbul

The first synagogue in Istanbul was built in 318 during the Byzantine period.
It was constructed in the Halkopratia district, which was in habited by many Jews. Although this synagogue was converted into a church during the reign of Theodosius II, many synagogues have been built throughout the city ever since, including the Prince’s Islands.

In 1176, Benjamin of Tudela, an important medieval Jewish traveler, reported that 2,555 Jews lived in Constantinople.

After the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, Jews from Hungary and France found a haven in the Ottoman Empire. Refugees from Sicily and Thessaloniki joined them.

When Sultan Beyazit II granted Jews exiled from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497) permission to settle, the Ottoman Empire experienced a massive immigration movement. Over time, Jews became soldiers, ministers, advisors to the army and doctors at the court of the sultans. At the same time, they shaped the Ottoman Empire with their knowledge and skills. They enjoyed religious freedom and established Jewish communities. They were also allowed to acquire property, which were subjected to special tax impositions, which is why Istanbul had numerous synagogues and other Jewish buildings and facilities as early as the16th century.

Ten years after the Turkish Republic was proclaimed, many German and Austrian Jews persecuted by the Nazis found refuge and a new future in Istanbul, which is why they increasingly settled in the city.

Turkey’s Jewish population has been in sharp decline. At the end of the 15th century 150,000 Jews lived in Turkey, 500 years later, however, only 100,000. Today, around 23,000 Jews still live in Turkey, the vast majority of whom, around 20,000, live in Istanbul. In here you can see the list of jewish tours ;

Jewish Tours Archives – Trip to Istanbul

Notable Synagogues in Istanbul

There are currently 26 active synagogues in Istanbul. Instead of listing them all, I decided to give an overview of the most notable ones from a tourist point of view.

Neve Shalom Synagogue – located in Karaköy, this is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue in Istanbul. It was inaugurated on Sunday March 25, 1951 and is open to service . Unfortunately, Neve Shalom has been the target of three terrorist attacks.
Ahrida Synagogue – one of the two remaining synagogues in Balat. It is the oldest and probably most beautiful synagogue in Istanbul. It was founded before the Muslim conquest of Istanbul in 1453 and has been in constant use ever since. Tourists can only visit by prior arrangement with a tour guide.
Ashkenazi Synagogue – located near the Galata Tower, it is the only currently active Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul open to visits and prayers.
Bet Avraam Synagogue – located behind the Sirkeci train station, it is the synagogue nearest to Sultanahmet.
Bet Israel Synagogue – located in Şişli, it is currently the most populated synagogue in Turkey. The synagogue can be visited after making appointments with Neve Shalom Foundation.
Caddebostan Synagogue – built in 1953 as a result of the increasing Jewish population in the Kadıköy district. It is the most populated synagogue on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Yanbol Synagogue – the second of the ancient synagogues in Balat.