Jewish Heritage in Istanbul

Our tour begin in the Galata quarter of Istanbul. The history of Jewish life in Galata began in Byzantine times when this was a walled city separated from Constantinople. From the 1500s onward, Galata was mostly Jewish. Our first visit is to Galata Tower.

Caddebostan Synagogue

Neve Shalom Synagogue

Italian Synagogue

Zulfaris Synagogue Museum

Ahrida Synagogue

Kamondo Stairs - Galata

The tower was originally the high-point in the Genoese fortifications which protected the town of Galata during Byzantine and early Ottoman times. From Galata Tower, we walk to the Neve Shalom Synagogue. This is one of the largest synagogues in the city, designed and decorated in a modern style. Before leaving Galata, we also see a graceful curved double staircase, known as Kamondo Staircase. The staircase was built in the 19th century on the order of the Kamondos, the Jewish community's most prosperous family.

We proceed to the Zülfaris Synagogue which was restored to become a museum of Turkish Jewish life. After a short drive, we reach the Balat quarter. This is another of the quarters in which Jews were settled after their expulsion from Spain. Though it once had as many as 19 synagogues, only two of importance remain, the Ahrida, and the neighboring Yanbol. From Balat we drive to our final stop in Ortakoy. Ortakoy was the first disembarkation point of Sepharads, where they were welcomed by the Ottoman Sultan. Here we see the remains of the Etz Ahayim Synagogue.

Note: Minimum three days advance reservation is needed as special permission is required at some of these sites. We will ask copies of your passports to obtain permission. Due to possible security reasons, some of the sites may be closed to public admission on the day of the visit.