Jewish Heritage Tours in Turkey

Turkey’s (Türkiye) Jewish heritage is revealed in its cities, synagogues, and sacred sites. In Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace, relics linked to Moses and David are preserved, while Şanlıurfa is revered as the birthplace of Abraham, with sites tied to his legendary trials. The Neve Shalom Synagogue stands as the heart of Istanbul’s Jewish community, alongside the Ahrida Synagogue with its distinctive ship-shaped bimah and the Ashkenazi and Karaite synagogues, each reflecting a different chapter of Jewish history. Izmir’s Sephardic past endures through its historic synagogues, Bursa holds traces of a long-established community, and Edirne’s Grand Synagogue remains a testament to a once-thriving presence. Further east, the ruins of Sardis and Bergama reveal remnants of Jewish life from antiquity.

• In Topkapı Palace, in Istanbul, the Destimal Chamber houses significant artifacts and relics such as Abraham's Pot, Joseph's Turban, Staff of Moses, David's Sword.
• Traditionally associated with Noah’s Ark and Armenia, nowadays Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı) in Ağrı is in Turkish lands.
• Şanlıurfa, a city steeped in history and religious significance, is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Abraham. Connected to the ancient city of Ur, it is home to key sites such as the Cave of Abraham, where divine intervention spared him from a fiery death, and the Pools of Abraham, where fire turned to water, giving rise to sacred fish.
• The largest synagogue in Turkey, Neve Shalom Synagogue (Neve Şalom Sinagogu), along with its Jewish Museum, is a centrepiece for Istanbul's Jewish community.

• A 15th-century synagogue in Balat district, in Istanbul, Ahrida Synagogue (Ahrida Sinagogu) is notable for its ship-shaped bimah.
• Another historic gem in Balat district, is Yanbol Synagogue (Yanbol Sinagogu), embodying Ottoman Sephardic design.
• The only active Ashkenazi Synagogue in Istanbul (İstanbul Aşkenaz Sinagogu) is located in Karaköy.
• A historic Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy, in Istanbul, (Etz Ahayim Sinagogu) was rebuilt after a fire in the 20th century.
• The Karaite Synagogue in Hasköy (Karaim Sinagogu) in Istanbul is a vital link to the cultural and religious heritage of Karaites, whose presence in Istanbul dates back centuries.
• A Moorish Revival marvel, the Grand Synagogue in Edirne (Edirne Büyük Sinagogu), restored as a symbol of the city's Jewish past.
• Gerush and Mayor Synagogues (Geruş Sinanogu and Mayor Sinagogu), Bursa: These synagogues highlight the Jewish community's longstanding presence in Bursa.
• A restored gem showcasing Izmir's Sephardic legacy is Bikur Holim Synagogue (Bikur Holim Sinanogu).
• Signora Giveret Synagogue (Sinyora Giveret Sinagogu), Izmir, is Known for its distinct Ottoman-style architecture and historical significance.
• Beit Israel Synagogue (Bet İsrael Sinagogu), Izmir, is in service, and there is also a Jewish community centre in the city.
• Ancient synagogue ruins from the 4th century, the Sardis Synagogue (Sardes Sinagogu) is part of a Roman bath-gymnasium complex in Sardis.
• Recently restored, Yabets Synagogue (Yabets Sinanogu) in Bergama is now serving as a cultural centre in Pergamon.