Jewish Turkey

In the sixteenth century Jews, persecuted in Europe, found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. Visit their first synagogue in Istanbul, the Ahrida, in the fascinating old quarter of Balat. We also visit a number of other synagogues in the city, but do not neglect the Byzantine and Ottoman spledours of this cosmopolitan city. Heading southwest we visit "Green" Bursa, with an important synagogue and some fine early Ottoman buildings, before moving down to Lydia. There, in the splendid site of Sardis, is one of the largest ancient synagogues in existence, dating back to the thrid centu AD.

Jewish and Byzantine Istanbul

Join us and visit Topkapi Palace , once home to the great Sultans, and marvel at the palace’s collection of treasures and antiquities, including twelve thousand pieces of fine Chinese porcelain and the Blue Mosque whose interior walls are covered with twenty thousand blue Iznik tiles. Then, embark on a Cruise of the Bosphorus and witness the beauty of the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces.

You can also visit old Jewish districts including the most modern and magnificent synagogue of Istanbul, Neve Salom Synagogue (meaning "Peace Oasis"). There you will have the chance to witness religious ceremonies such as weddings, bar mitzvahs (maturity ceremony) and funerals, and Head Rabbinate Appointment ceremonies. Other interesting sites include Ashkenazi Synagogue, belonging to the Ashkenazi community living in Istanbul; Ahrida Synagogue, built by those who had migrated to Macedonia from Ahri borough in the 15th century; Zulfaris Synagogue, which is now a museum; and Etz Ahayim Synagogue, the name signifying the meaning of "Life Tree".

European Jewish Tours is able to arrange both day-trips as well as multi-day tours to any of these wonderful and intriguing sites and destinations, among others.

See Fees to book your tours.

Jewish Bursa, Izmir, and Ephesus

Begin with a guided visit to Bursa, built in the fourteenth century. It was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here you will enjoy seeing the Gerush Synagogue and Grand Mosque, both the largest mosques in Bursa and the most striking examples of Ottoman art. Next, drive southwest to Akhisar, the site of ancient Thyatira, and then Sardis, a city that had considerable prosperity during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, conquered by Alexander in 334 BC. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Temple of Artemis, the Roman stadium, and Roman baths, as well as one of the world’s oldest synagogues and then afterwards drive to Izmir where the Jewish community dates back more than 2000 years.

Next, explore Sinyora Geveret Synagogue, built in the 16th century; Bet-Israel Synagogue and the Agora Marketplace originally constructed during the rule of Alexander the Great. Following this, enjoy a short tour of Kadifekale (Mt. Pagos) and witness the impressive ruins of a castle and its walls, built by Lysimachus in the reign of Alexander the Great. The castle offers an excellent vantage point to enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Izmir.

You can also enjoy a full day excursion to Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered. Once populated with three hundred thousand people, it has an enormous amphitheater, which can still hold twenty four thousand spectators. As you walk down the marble covered streets, you will see gymnasiums, baths houses, public latrines, the Library of Celsius and the Temple of Artemis. Then visit the local municipality carpet cooperation, a sort of a carpet farm where you will get the chance to explore the district from a cultural perspective.

With a flight to Istanbul your sightseeing continues with the Hippodrome and the magnificent domed Basilica of St. Sophia, which has inspired architects and religious leaders for over fifteen hundred years. Constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great, it has been a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum. You can then venture into the Egyptian Spice Bazaar where the scent of hundreds of spices permeates the air and Grand Covered Bazaar. Built in 1457, the Grand Covered Bazaar is famous for it’s selection of goods and is the largest bazaar in the world, with over four thousand shops.

See Fees to book your tours.