Notable Jewish Settlements and Synagogues in Istanbul

The present Turkish Jewish community is a remnant of the great migration wave that followed the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. Sephardic Jews (or Spanish Jews) were forced to converted to Christianity or left his homeland. Most of the Jewish emigrants were scientists or people of high status in the European economy, so Ottoman Sultan Beyazid II gave them asylum in the Ottoman kingdom and allowed them live on the shores of the Golden Horn.

In addition, Russian Jews fleeing the wars of the 19th century and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 also found safe haven in Turkey. And in 1933, Atatürk invited prominent Jewish scientists under threat in Nazi Germany and Austria to seek refuge and settle in Turkey. Turkey was also a safe passage for many Jews fleeing the horrors of Nazism during the Second World War.

Remnants of those days can still be seen in the Balat area along the Golden Horn and the Galata district in Beyoğlu - the heart of Istanbul's Jewish community.

Unfortunately, a series of events caused a massive exodus of Jews from Istanbul. The first was the property tax (Varlık Vergisi) of 1942. Although aimed at wealthy Turks, its effect on the Jewish community was dire. An estimated 30,000 Jews, unable to pay their debts, fled the country.

The second was the war in Istanbul on 6/7 September 1955 against the Greek, Jewish and Armenian communities in Istanbul. Although more material damage followed, this caused another major exodus of these minorities, with about 10,000 Jews fleeing Turkey.

There are currently 26 active synagogues in Istanbul. Here are a few of the most prominent synagogues in Istanbul:

Neve Shalom Synagogue - located in Karaköy, this is the central and largest Sephardic synagogue in Istanbul. It was inaugurated and opened for service on Sunday, March 25, 1951. Unfortunately, Neve Shalom was the target of three terrorist attacks that followed.

Ahrida Synagogue – this is one of two surviving synagogues in Balat. This is the oldest and probably the most beautiful synagogue in Istanbul. It was founded before the Muslim conquest of Istanbul in 1453 and has been in continuous use ever since. Tourists can only visit this synagogue with prior arrangement with a guide.

Ashkenazi Synagogue - located near Galata Tower, this is the only currently operating Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul open for visits and prayers.

Bet Avraam Synagogue - located behind Sirkeci railway station, this is the closest synagogue to Sultanahmet.

Bet Israel Synagogue - located in Şişli, is currently the largest synagogue in Turkey. You can visit the synagogue after making an appointment with the Neve Shalom Foundation.

Caddebostan Synagogue - built in 1953 due to the growing Jewish population in the Kadıköy district. It is the most populous synagogue on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Yanbol Synagogue - the second of the ancient synagogues in Balat.

Besides the great architecture, Jewish settlements and synagogues are also quite an attractive destination in Istanbul.