21 Synagogues in Istanbul: the Jewish Community and its Historic Synagogues

Istanbul has a rich Jewish heritage, with a long and diverse history that dates back centuries. This cosmopolitan city has been home to numerous Jewish communities over the years, and the synagogues in Istanbul are a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the Jewish people who have made this city their home. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Jewish community in Istanbul, and explore some of the most notable synagogues in the city.

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Jewish Community in Istanbul

The Jewish community in Istanbul is one of the oldest in the world, with a history that spans more than two millennia. Jews first settled in Istanbul, then known as Constantinople, during the Byzantine Empire, and they have been an integral part of the city’s cultural and religious fabric ever since.

Over the centuries, the Jewish community in Istanbul has grown and evolved, with immigrants from all over the world bringing their own traditions and customs to the city. Today, Istanbul’s Jewish community is a vibrant and diverse one, with members hailing from Turkey, Israel, Europe, and beyond.

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Historic Synagogues of Istanbul

There are numerous historic synagogues in Istanbul, each with its own unique history and architectural style. Here are some of the most notable synagogues in the city:

Neve Shalom Synagogue

Located in the Beyoğlu district, the Neve Shalom Synagogue is one of the most important synagogues in Istanbul. It was built in 1951 and has since become the center of the Jewish community in the city. However, the synagogue has been the site of several terrorist attacks, including the 1986 Istanbul synagogue bombing and the 2003 Istanbul synagogue massacre.

Ahrida Synagogue

Built in the 15th century, the Ahrida Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Istanbul. It is located in the Balat neighborhood, which was historically the Jewish quarter of the city. The synagogue is known for its intricate wooden carvings and its ornate interior.

Ashkenazi Synagogue

Also located in the Beyoğlu district, the Ashkenazi Synagogue was built in the late 19th century by Jews of Ashkenazi descent who had immigrated to Istanbul from Europe. The synagogue is known for its striking stained-glass windows and its ornate decoration.

Bet Avraam Synagogue

Located in the Karaköy neighborhood, the Bet Avraam Synagogue was built in the early 20th century by Jews of Sephardic descent who had immigrated to Istanbul from Spain and Portugal. The synagogue is known for its impressive dome and its colorful mosaics.

Bet Nissim Synagogue

The Bet Nissim Synagogue is located in the charming neighborhood of Kuzguncuk, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. It was built in the 19th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes and its intricate woodwork.

Bet Yaakov (Kal de Abaşo) Synagogue

The Bet Yaakov Synagogue, also known as Kal de Abaşo Synagogue, is located in the Şişli district and was built in the early 20th century. It is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its ornate decoration.

Bet Yaakov Synagogue

This synagogue is located on the island of Heybeliada near Istabul, one of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Ottoman and Art Nouveau design.

Etz Ahaim Synagogue

The Etz Ahaim Synagogue is located in the Ortaköy neighborhood in Istabul, near the Bosphorus Bridge. It was built in the late 19th century and is known for its impressive dome and its beautiful interior decoration.

Maalem Synagogue

The Maalem Synagogue is located in the Hasköy neighborhood, on the Golden Horn. It O 18th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes and its impressive ceiling.

Hemdat Israel Synagogue

The Hemdat Israel Synagogue is located in the Haydarpasa neighborhood, on the Asian side of Istanbul. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its ornate decoration.

Hesed le Avraam Synagogue

The Hesed le Avraam Synagogue is located on the island of Büyükada, one of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful interior decoration.

Kal de los Frankos Synagogue

The Kal de los Frankos Synagogue, also known as the Frankish Synagogue, is located in the Galata neighborhood, on the European side of Istanbul. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Bet Israel Synagogue

The Bet Israel Synagogue is located in the Karaköy neighborhood and was built in the early 20th century. It is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Caddebostan Synagogue

The Caddebostan Synagogue is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and was built in the early 20th century. It is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Ottoman and Art Nouveau design.

Yanbol Synagogue

The Yanbol Synagogue is located in the Balat neighborhood and was built in the 18th century. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and its impressive ceiling.

İstipol Salma Tomruk Synagogue

The İstipol Salma Tomruk Synagogue is located in the Balat neighborhood and was built in the early 20th century. It is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Kal Kadoş Galata-Zülfaris Synagogue

The Kal Kadoş Galata-Zülfaris Synagogue is located in the Karaköy neighborhood and was built in the late 19th century. It is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Ottoman and European design.

Kal Kadoş Çorapcı Han Synagogue

The Kal Kadoş Çorapcı Han Synagogue is located in the Sirkeci neighborhood, near the historic Sirkeci Train Station. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Ohel Yaakov Synagogue

The Ohel Yaakov Synagogue is located on the island of Burgazada, one of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Tiferet Israel Synagogue

The Tiferet Israel Synagogue is located in the Yeniköy neighborhood, on the European side of Istanbul. It was built in the early 20th century and is known for its beautiful interior decoration and its impressive stained-glass windows.

Yüksekkaldırım Ashkenazi Synagogue

The Yüksekkaldırım Ashkenazi Synagogue is located in the Galata neighborhood and was built in the late 19th century. It is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Ottoman and European design.

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Visiting Synagogues in Istanbul: the Rules of Jewish Community

If you’re interested in visiting any of these historic synagogues in Istanbul, you should be aware that you can only do so by prior reservation via the website of the Turkish Jewish community. It is also important to note that the synagogues in Istanbul can only be visited with special permission from the Chief Rabbinate, and it is mandatory to give donations to the synagogues after the visits. For security purposes, visitors are required to keep their passports with them and present them if asked during the visit.

Jewish Museum of Turkey

In addition to the historic synagogues, Istanbul is also home to the Jewish Museum of Turkey. Located in the Karaköy neighborhood, the museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the Jewish community in Turkey. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Jewish people in Istanbul and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about this vibrant and resilient community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the synagogues in Istanbul are a testament to the rich and diverse history of the Jewish community in the city. From the oldest synagogue in Istanbul to the unique architectural styles of the more recent synagogues, each one has its own story to tell. By visiting these synagogues and the Jewish Museum of Turkey, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious heritage of Istanbul and the Jewish people who call it home.

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