Istanbul's Jewish Heritage (Option 1)
TOUR ITINERARY :
The tour starts in GALATA, one of the oldest Jewish Neighborhoods in Istanbul as during Theodosius II. Period, Jews living in Constantinople were exiled to this area, famous with its tower constructed in the 14th century by the Genoese. After the interior visits of the Neve Salom synagogue(the biggest synagogue in Istanbul, used today more as a community center) and the Ashkenazi synagogue (the only Ashkenazi synagogue active today), we will walk to the Tofre Begadim synagogue (constructed as an Ashkenazi temple, it is converted to the Schneider Temple Art Gallery). Depending availability, we will visit the synagogue and the Kamondo stairs (constructed by the most important Jewish family in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century as a shortcut)
We will drive to Balat, residential area of the Ottoman Jews where the "Star of David" and other inscriptions still appear on the facades of some buildings. We will visit the Yanbol (a temple constructed by the Bulgarian immigrants at the end of the 15th century, still active today) and the Cana (a temple constructed mid-15th century, abandoned in 1930’s) synagogues from outside, we will enter the Ahrida (the oldest active temple in Istanbul from 1404, very well know with its boat shaped Teva) synagogue. After a short walk in Balat neighborhood, we will visit the Or A Hayim Jewish Hospital (constructed by two Jewish doctors in the 19th century still belonging to the Jewish Community, used today as a public Hospital).
We will go to Arnavutkoy (summer resort neighborhood of the rich Jewish families in the 19th century) to see the ruins of the Etz A Hayim synagogue of Arnavutkoy. This temple from the end of the 19th century was completely adanboned in 1950’s after a fire.)
The tour will end in Ortakoy (the disembarquement point of the Sephardic Jews coming from Spain in 1492) after the visit of the Ulus Ashkenazi Cemetery (where the martyrs of Neve Salom attacks are buried). The Etz A hayim synagogue of Ortakoy will be our last visit. Constructed in the 16th century, the building was renewed several times.
(Please send a copy of passport(s) 5 days before start of your tour. We need a photocopy to send to the synagogue to confirm your entry).
Please contact us for more information: info@allistanbultours.com
Tour Code : ADN-22727
