Istanbul’s Jewish heritage is woven into the city’s fabric through centuries-old synagogues, living congregations, and silent architectural gems. This guide offers a clear, up-to-date look at the active and historic synagogues across the city.
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Jewish Roots in Istanbul
Istanbul’s Jewish presence dates back to Byzantine times, later enriched by Sephardic Jews welcomed by Sultan Bayezid II in 1492. Many settled along the Golden Horn, especially in Balat, Hasköy, and Galata.
Today, the city is home to around 15,000 Jews and 26 active synagogues, alongside many historic ones. This guide explores both — offering practical info on location, access, and history — and also highlights important synagogues in Izmir, Edirne, Bursa, and Antakya.
Before You Visit
Most active synagogues in Istanbul require advance permission, with passport details often needed several days ahead. Spontaneous visits aren’t possible due to security. Historic synagogues are usually accessible via guided tours or museum visits.
Active Synagogues in Istanbul
Most of Istanbul’s functioning synagogues are located in historic Jewish neighborhoods such as Galata, Balat, Şişli, and parts of Kadıköy. The majority are Sephardic, with one Ashkenazi congregation. Below are the most notable ones still in use today.
Neve Shalom Synagogue (Beyoğlu)
Opened in 1951, Neve Shalom, meaning “Oasis of Peace,” is Istanbul’s largest Sephardic synagogue and the spiritual heart of the city’s Jewish community. Despite being targeted in two separate terrorist attacks (1986 and 2003), it remains a vibrant place of worship. The building features a grand modern sanctuary with a women’s gallery and hosts regular Shabbat services and major life events. It also houses the Jewish Museum of Turkey. Visits must be arranged in advance with identification due to strict security protocols.
Ashkenazi Synagogue (Galata)
Built in 1900 by Austrian Jews, this is Istanbul’s only active Ashkenazi synagogue. Its façade features Gothic revival elements and a distinctive rose window, while the interior is marked by a central wooden bimah and traditional European design. Still in regular use for weekday and Shabbat services, it hosts weddings, holidays, and life-cycle ceremonies in the Ashkenazi tradition. Entry is possible with prior coordination, offering a rare opportunity to experience a different liturgical style in a city predominantly shaped by Sephardic custom.
Ahrida Synagogue (Balat)
Dating back to around 1430, Ahrida is one of Istanbul’s oldest synagogues and a rare survivor from the Romaniote era, later embraced by the Sephardic community after 1492. Its most iconic feature is the boat-shaped tevah (bimah), believed to symbolize Noah’s Ark or the vessels that carried Jews from Spain. The synagogue has witnessed centuries of history, including the mystical Sabbatean movement. Though not used weekly, it opens for special Shabbat services and heritage visits. Entry requires prior arrangement — stepping inside feels like stepping back in time.
Yanbol Synagogue (Balat)
Built in the 18th century by Bulgarian Jews from Yambol, this modest synagogue is often referred to as the “Bulgarian Synagogue.” Located just steps from Ahrida, it shares a similar Sephardic layout but with simpler architecture. While it no longer hosts regular services, it occasionally opens for Shabbat or serves as overflow during community gatherings. Entry is by appointment only, and the building remains one of the last active remnants of Balat’s once-thriving Jewish life.
Bet Israel Synagogue (Şişli)
Built in the 1920s and expanded in the 1950s, Bet Israel is today the most attended synagogue in Turkey. As Istanbul’s Jewish population moved to Şişli after WWII, this became their spiritual and social center. The synagogue features a modern sanctuary with elegant details and a women’s balcony. It was one of the targets of the 2003 bombings but was swiftly restored. Bet Israel holds regular Shabbat and weekday services, major ceremonies, and high holiday gatherings. Visits are possible with prior arrangement and reflect the vibrant life of Istanbul’s contemporary Jewish community.
Etz Ahayim Synagogue (Ortaköy)
Tucked beside the famous Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus, this small synagogue traces its roots to the 17th century. After a fire in 1941 destroyed much of the building, a modest prayer hall was rebuilt around the surviving Torah ark. Though services today are rare and seasonal, especially in summer, Etz Ahayim remains a symbol of Ortaköy’s interfaith heritage. Hidden in a quiet courtyard just steps from lively cafés and tourists, it quietly preserves the Jewish thread in the neighborhood’s multicultural fabric. Visits are possible with prior arrangement.
Caddebostan Synagogue (Kadıköy)
Opened in the early 1950s to serve Jewish families settling on Istanbul’s Asian side, Caddebostan quickly became the largest and most active synagogue in the area. Designed by architect Albert Arditi, its bright, modern interior with a faceted dome reflects a postwar sense of renewal. The synagogue remains vibrant today, hosting weekly Shabbat services, holidays, and life-cycle events. It’s especially popular with families from Kadıköy and beyond. Visits are possible with prior coordination and offer a contemporary window into Turkish-Jewish life on the Anatolian shore.
Hemdat Israel Synagogue
Built in 1899, Hemdat Israel is the oldest synagogue on Istanbul’s Asian side. Once serving the Jewish families of Haydarpaşa — a bustling hub near the old Orient Express terminal — the synagogue reflects late Ottoman architecture with wooden interiors and a gallery for women. Though it no longer holds regular services, it occasionally opens for high holidays or special events. Restored in the early 2000s, it offers a quiet and authentic glimpse into Kadıköy’s multicultural past. Visits must be arranged in advance through the Chief Rabbinate.
Kuzguncuk Synagogues
In the charming neighborhood of Kuzguncuk—where mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist side by side—two synagogues still preserve the area’s Jewish legacy.
Bet Yaakov, built in 1878, is the primary synagogue and still opens for Shabbat services. Bet Nissim, established earlier in the 1840s, is smaller and used for special occasions or overflow.
Both structures reflect modest Ottoman-Sephardic architecture and have been lovingly restored. While exterior views are easy to enjoy, interior visits must be arranged in advance. A stroll through Kuzguncuk offers not just history, but a sense of Istanbul’s pluralistic soul.
Bakırköy Synagogue
Established in the early 20th century, this humble synagogue served Jewish families who moved westward from Istanbul’s historic center. Tucked behind a gate on a busy street, it’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for the Star of David above the entrance. Though regular services are rare today, it still opens for Shabbat or high holidays, especially when former residents return. Visits require advance permission — inside awaits a quiet, modest sanctuary that continues to echo with the community’s enduring spirit.
Princes’ Islands Synagogues
The peaceful Princes’ Islands once served as summer retreats for Istanbul’s Jewish families—and two synagogues still echo that seasonal spirit.
🔹Hesed Le Avraam Synagogue (Büyükada): Founded in 1904, this charming yellow synagogue served as a spiritual hub for Jewish vacationers. Hidden in the quiet Sinekli quarter, it opens occasionally during summer weekends.
🔹Burgazada Synagogue: Built in the 1950s, this modest structure near the ferry pier once served a vibrant island community, including poet İzak Malihi.
Both are seasonally active, with services held only in summer. Visits must be arranged in advance, but their tranquil seaside settings make them a rewarding stop for heritage travelers.
Italian Synagogue (Galata)
Founded by Istanbul’s Italian Jewish community, this elegant synagogue was rebuilt in 1931 in a distinct Gothic Revival style—featuring arched windows, vaulted ceilings, and a finely carved wooden ark. Located behind a quiet courtyard near Galata Tower, it stands apart with its European character and Italian rite services. Though used only occasionally for Shabbat or festive events, the building is well maintained and remains a favorite for weddings. Visits are possible by prior arrangement and are well worth it for those seeking a unique blend of Italian-Jewish heritage in Istanbul.
These are Istanbul’s main active synagogues—still in use today but accessible only with advance coordination. Most require contacting the Turkish Chief Rabbinate or joining a Jewish heritage tour. While the process takes planning, it rewards visitors with more than architecture: you may hear Ladino melodies, witness a life-cycle event, or simply feel the quiet continuity of centuries-old traditions in a living community.
Historic Synagogues & Heritage Sites in Istanbul
Beyond its active houses of worship, Istanbul preserves many historic synagogues—some restored as museums, others left to time. These sites offer a deeper understanding of the once-thriving Jewish neighborhoods across the city and serve as architectural and cultural testaments to a rich, yet often overlooked, heritage.
Zülfaris Synagogue (Karaköy)
Once the heart of Galata’s Jewish life, Zülfaris—likely dating back to the 17th century—served the local community until its closure in 1985. In 2001, it was restored and reopened as part of the 500th Anniversary Museum of Turkish Jews. Though exhibits have since moved to Neve Shalom, the building is still used for cultural events and occasional displays. With its vaulted ceiling and preserved women’s gallery, Zülfaris offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the city’s Sephardic past.
Mayor Synagogue (Hasköy)
Once the largest synagogue in Hasköy, this 19th-century structure—possibly with Byzantine roots—was abandoned after the 1920s and officially closed in 1975. Its grand dome, stone façade, and traces of painted walls reflect a forgotten splendor. Though no longer in use, the building still stands as a haunting relic of Istanbul’s fading Jewish presence. Closed to the public, it can be glimpsed from the street—an evocative symbol of a once-thriving community.
Istipol Synagogue (Balat)
Named after the town of Štip in Macedonia, this modest 15th–16th century synagogue once served Balat’s Jewish immigrants. Long abandoned, it partially collapsed in the 1980s and now survives only as faint architectural traces behind locked gates. Though not accessible, it stands as a silent tribute to the once-vibrant Jewish life in Balat.
Tofre Begadim Synagogue
This 19th-century synagogue once served Galata’s Jewish tailors and cloth merchants. Linked to the Tailors’ Guild, it reflected the close ties between trade and worship. Long inactive, its exact location today is uncertain—possibly lost or repurposed within the Perşembe Pazarı area. While no longer visitable, it remains a historical footnote in Istanbul’s Jewish mercantile legacy.
The Karaite Synagogue (Hasköy)
Tucked near the Golden Horn, this rare Karaite house of worship—known as a Kenesa—dates to the late 18th century. Unlike mainstream Rabbanite Jews, Karaites follow their own traditions, including praying barefoot and without rabbinic liturgy. Damaged by fire and rebuilt over time, the Hasköy Kenesa now opens only once a year for Karaite Passover. Modest in appearance and hard to find, it stands as a quiet testament to the diversity within Jewish life in Istanbul.
Minor and Lost Synagogues
Istanbul once boasted numerous smaller synagogues, many of which have disappeared or been repurposed. A few notable ones include:
🔹Kal Kadosh (Çorapçı Han) Synagogue: Located in the bustling Mahmutpaşa market, it once served Jewish merchants in the 1880s but is now part of the bazaar.
🔹Apollon Synagogue: A small prayer house in Galata, barely remembered today.
🔹Or-Ahayim Hospital Synagogue: Found within the Jewish hospital in Balat, this small chapel is still active for patients and staff, offering a unique glimpse into the community’s care institutions.
Though not all can be visited, these synagogues add depth to Istanbul’s Jewish heritage, offering a rich history that echoes through the city’s streets.
Beyond Istanbul: Notable Synagogues in Other Turkish Cities
Jewish heritage in Turkey extends beyond Istanbul. Communities thrived in cities like Izmir, Edirne, Bursa, and Antakya. Each city has significant synagogues with its own unique history.
Izmir – Historic Synagogues
Izmir, once home to Turkey‘s second-largest Jewish community, has a rich Sephardic heritage dating back to the 16th century. The city’s historic Jewish quarter, Kemeralti, houses a cluster of synagogues, many located on Havra Sokağı (Synagogue Street). Here are key synagogues in Izmir:
🔹Signora Giveret (Senyor) Synagogue: Built in the 17th century by philanthropist Dona Gracia Mendes, it features a central bimah and an upstairs women’s section with decorative latticework. Recently restored, it’s a significant piece of Izmir‘s Jewish history.
🔹Shalom, Algazi, and Bikur Holim Synagogues: These synagogues, dating from the 17th to 18th centuries, are located next to each other. Algazi Synagogue (1724) is known for its beautiful ark, while Bikur Holim (1729) has a painted ceiling. Shalom was rebuilt after the 1841 fire. They’ve all undergone restoration efforts in recent years.
🔹Etz Hayim Synagogue: Dating back to the 16th century, it was partially ruined by fire but now serves as part of an open-air museum.
🔹Beth Israel Synagogue (Karataş): Built in 1907, it remains active and is the primary synagogue for Izmir’s Jewish community.
Visiting Izmir’s Synagogues: Many of the synagogues are part of the Izmir Jewish Heritage Museum, offering guided tours. Beth Israel is accessible by appointment or during services. To visit, contact the Izmir Jewish Community Foundation.
Edirne – The Grand Synagogue
Edirne, a city near Turkey‘s border with Bulgaria, once housed a significant Jewish community, particularly Romaniot and Sephardic Jews. The Grand Synagogue, completed in 1909, is a masterpiece of architecture, built in a Moorish Revival style. Modeled after Vienna’s Leopoldstädter Tempel, it was the largest synagogue in Turkey and the third-largest in Europe at the time of its inauguration.
History & Significance: The synagogue could accommodate 1,200 worshippers but was abandoned by 1983 as the Jewish population declined. After decades of decay, including a collapsed roof and overgrown vegetation, the Turkish government funded its restoration from 2010 to 2015. The synagogue now stands fully restored, with its vibrant yellow exterior and beautifully decorated interior, featuring painted motifs and stained-glass windows.
Current Status: While there is no longer a Jewish community in Edirne, the synagogue is used for ceremonies such as weddings and occasional holiday services. It is open to the public as a museum or cultural site, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich Jewish history.
Visiting: The Edirne Grand Synagogue is generally open to visitors and does not require the security screening found in larger cities like Istanbul. A visit to this restored architectural gem offers both triumph and melancholy, as it celebrates the successful restoration of the building and reflects on the city’s past Jewish community. Visitors can explore Edirne‘s other historic sites while learning about the city’s diverse Ottoman heritage.
Bursa – Gerush-Mayor-Etz HaYim
Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, has a small yet historically significant Jewish community. Sephardic Jews settled here in the 16th century, joining an earlier Romaniot presence. The city’s synagogues are:
🔹Geruş Synagogue (Synagogue of the Expelled): Founded in the early 16th century by Jews expelled from Spain, Geruş features classic Ottoman Sephardic architecture. It was restored in the 19th century and remains a prominent synagogue in Bursa’s history.
🔹Mayor (Mejor) Synagogue: Likely built in the 15th or 16th century, the Mayor Synagogue was the largest in Bursa’s Jewish quarter. It fell into disuse in 1975 but is maintained as a cultural asset by the Turkish government. It is still used for special events and ritual purposes.
🔹Etz HaYim Synagogue: Possibly dating back to the 14th century, this is considered Bursa‘s oldest synagogue. It was possibly one of the first synagogues permitted under Ottoman rule, with a unique multi-domed structure resembling a small mosque.
Current Status: Bursa’s Jewish population is small, with only a few dozen members. The Geruş Synagogue remains active for Shabbat and holidays. Mayor and Etz HaYim are generally closed but may open for special occasions. There have been ongoing restoration efforts for all three synagogues, with hopes to preserve them and create a museum. Visitors can explore the Jewish Cemetery and, if arranged through local contacts or the Chief Rabbinate, can tour the synagogues. Despite being quieter than other Bursa attractions, these synagogues offer a serene glimpse into the city’s pluralistic history.
Antakya – The Ancient Synagogue
Antakya, historically known as Antioch, was home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the region. Jews are said to have lived in Antioch since Roman times, with the community even mentioned in the New Testament. The Antakya Synagogue, located on Akkünyü Sokak, was a modest house of worship, rebuilt in the mid-19th century and renovated in the 1930s. It was unique for its simple, low-profile structure that blended seamlessly into the surrounding homes. Services were conducted in Arabic, reflecting the Judeo-Arabic traditions of the Syrian Jewish community.
Recent Status: Until recently, Antakya’s Jewish community had dwindled to just a few people, most notably the family of the community president, Saul Cenudioğlu, who maintained the synagogue and continued to hold festivals such as Purim and Passover. The synagogue’s most prized possession was a very old Torah scroll written on deer parchment. After the death of Saul and his wife during the 2023 earthquake, the community has largely moved to Istanbul and Israel, and the synagogue is now closed and deemed unsafe.
2023 Earthquake Impact: On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Antakya, causing severe damage to the city. The Antakya Synagogue sustained structural damage but did not collapse. However, the earthquake tragically claimed the lives of the community president and his wife when their home collapsed. The remaining members of the community have relocated, taking the Torah scroll for safekeeping.
Visiting Antakya’s Synagogue: Due to earthquake damage and ongoing humanitarian efforts, visiting the synagogue is currently not feasible. The building is closed off, and access is restricted. However, if the city rebuilds, there are hopes the synagogue will be restored as a historic site. In the past, travelers could visit the synagogue, often treated to local stories and sweets by the last Jewish family. Today, the synagogue serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Exploring the synagogues of Istanbul and Turkey offers a rich journey through history—from the 15th-century Ahrida Synagogue in Balat to the restored Grand Synagogue of Edirne. Active synagogues like Neve Shalom and Beth Israel continue centuries-old traditions, while historic synagogues like Zülfaris and Mayor Synagogue tell stories of past communities.
These sites offer more than just architectural beauty. You can connect with the living Jewish culture, from Sephardic cuisine in Izmir to Ladino spoken in a Shabbat service in Istanbul. This guide helps you plan visits to both active and historic synagogues.
By visiting, you honor a resilient community that’s been integral to Turkey‘s pluralistic society. For a more immersive experience, join The Other Tour’s Jewish heritage tours, where we guide you through these historic sites, sharing the stories of Turkish Jewish life. Explore Istanbul’s synagogues and beyond to discover the rich cultural history that makes Turkey exceptional.
