Historic Synagogues in Turkey - Jewish Heritage & Culture

Judaism has a long history in Turkey; from ancient communities to Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain, Jewish communities prospered in these lands. Today, Turkey is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the diaspora. Historic synagogues such as the Neve Shalom and Ahrida in Istanbul and the Beth Israel Synagogue in Izmir reflect this enduring presence. While smaller in number today, the Jewish community in Turkey remains active, preserving its traditions, culture, and places of worship.

Judaism In Turkey

Modern Turkey is a Muslim majority country with a rich history in acceptance towards Jewish communities and therefore has many ancient synagogues. Judaism's presence in Turkey dates back millennia, with communities settling across the Anatolian Peninsula and Thrace. Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 found refuge in the Ottoman Empire, contributing to the country's cultural and economic prosperity. Over the centuries, Turkish Jews have preserved their traditions while integrating elements of Turkish culture, creating a unique blend evident in their synagogues and customs.

Famous Synagogues In Turkey

1. Neve Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul

Neve Shalom, which means "Oasis of Peace" in Hebrew, is a prominent synagogue that was built to accommodate the rising Jewish population in Galata and Beyoglu. The synagogue that we can visit today was built in 1951. It is believed that this was the site where the expelled Jews of Spain built the Aragon Synagogue.

2. Ashkenazi Synagogue, Istanbul

When the house that was used as a synagogue by the Ashkenazi Jews burned down, the Jews of Austrian origin built a wooden temple in its place named the "Österreichsicher Tempel". As permit for a new synagogue in the premises was granted by the Sultan Abdulhamid II., construction began with the financial aid of fellow Jews of Austria. The new synagogue that has a European style decorated facade was completed in 1900.

3. Bet Israel Synagogue, Izmir

Izmir was the home to over 40 thousand Jewish people at the beginning of the 20th century. Due to migration, economic changes and the formation of Israel, many Jews left for other countries. The remaining Jewish population is dedicated to preserving their culture. Bet Israel Synagogue stands as a ceremonial masterpiece with its intricate woodwork crafted by skilled Italian artisans. The synagogue was built after obtaining a permit from the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. in 1907 but the interior decorations were not completed until 1950.

4. Grand Synagogue, Edirne

Büyük Synagogue, or the "Grand Synagogue", is a masterpiece of Ottoman Jewish architecture located in Edirne, near Turkey's border with Bulgaria. Some of the Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century were a part of the community in Edirne. The synagogue was abandoned after the local Jewish community emigrated to countries such as Israel or USA. When it was opened for service in 1909, it could accommodate up to 1200 worshippers which made it the third largest synagogue in Europe.

5. Etz Ahayim Synagogue, Istanbul

There were many synagogues in the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire with the name Etz Ahayim, meaning "Tree of Life" in Hebrew. It was burned down in 1941 due to a candle oil fire. When the Jewish population started to concentrate around Ortakoy, there was a need for an active synagogue in the region. The small and old synagogue building was renovated and opened with a Mincha prayer in 1994.