FULL DAY BOSPHORUS CRUISE DOLMABAHCE PALCE & TWO CONTINENT TOUR IN ISTANBUL,Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace & Two Continents Daily departure at 08.30 Am and returns at 17.00 Pm ,Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), built between 1597 and 1664, it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city. You may find there mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc..,Rustem Pasha Mosque, Mimar Sinan built this mosque in 1560 for Rustem Pasha, son-in-law and the grand vizier of Suleyman the Magnificent. its particular beauty lies in iznik tiles covering it, both inside and outside. Bosphorus Cruise, the Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the only one built astride two continents; this romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Plalace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unige maritime landscapes.Bosphorus Bridge, drive on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful view when crossing the bridge from Europe to Asia.it is 1704m long and was the 4th longest in the world when completed.Unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another(Asia) in 2 minutes.Lunch (at the top of Camlica Hill),Camlica Hill, the highest point in istanbul, exposing apanoramic view of istanbul city and Bosphorus from the best point of view. Ortakoy, is a cosmopolitan area, bordering waters of the Bosphorus with communites of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews.The neighbourhood hosts many different religious. it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists a like with art galleries, night clubs, restaurants, sitting by the waterfront for drink tea and coffee. Dolmabahce Palace, was the first European style palace built by Ottoman Sultans between 1843 and 1846.This is the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. Ataturk lived the final part of his life in the residental part of the palace and died there.Closed: Mondays and Thursdays; Dolmabahce Palace (Replaced with Galata Tower),includes; Lunch, Transportation, Guide, Boat Cruise, Museums and Entrance Fees. HIGHLIGHTS,Bosphorus,Two continents,Camlica Hill,Dolmabahce Palace Museum ,Ortakoy,Spice Bazaar,What is Included in tour ?,Hotel Pick-up & drop-off - by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches.,Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries.Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide.,Services Charges & Local Taxes. Lunch,What is Excluded in tour?,Beverage,Tips and Gratuities,Personal Expenses,P.S : Hotel Pick-up & drop-off service are available only from the hotels located in the city center. OTTOMAN AND BYZANTINE TOUR,Full Day Istanbul Classical & Ottoman Relics Walking Tour / Lunch Included,ISTANBUL CLASSIC & OTTOMAN TOUR,* Hagia Sophia Museum,* Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Camii ),,* Hippodrome,,* Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum,* Topkapi Palace Museum,* Grand Bazaar,Daily departure at 08.30 and returns at 17.00 Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.,Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atataürk in 1935.Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Caferaga Medresesi,Full Day Walking Tur / Lunch Included,ISTANBUL CLASSIC & OTTOMAN TOUR * Hagia Sophia Museum* Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Camii )* Hippodrome* Caferaga Medresesi* Topkapi Palace Museum* Grand BazaarDaily departure at 08.30 am and returns at 17.00 pm Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus, St.Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand yeras; it is considered the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture;after having been the Patriarchal basilica of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II. the Conqueror and in to a museum by Atataürk in 1935.Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.The last great imperial mosque of the classical period; it is name comes from 20.000 marvellous blue-toned Iznik tiles decorating the interior walls. Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Caferaga Medresesi, of foundation for srving Turkish Culture organizes various workshops on handcrafts and music. Lunch at the Special Turkish Restaurant,Topkapi Palace Museum, this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the Imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building are a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons,shields,armors,Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery.( Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry ) Caferaga Medresesi : of foundation for serving Turkish Culture organizes various workshop on handicrafts and music..Grand Bazaar, the largest covered narket in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques,jewellery,hand-woven fabrics etc...Tour 3 is a combination of Tour 1 & 2,Also visioned during the tour: Galata Bridge, Golden Horn, Leander's Toer,Obelisk of Theodosius-Serpentine Column,German Fountain of Wilhelm II ..Shopping Possibility at the Manufactory for Turkish Traditional Arts and Handicrafts.; Discover with us the magic world of the Turkish Traditional Arts and Handicrafts. All your dreams in the same place , with the assistance and tips of multi - languages speaking specialists. Hassle -free shopping in total confidence: Turkish carpets,antique rugs,fine jewellery ,leather garments and souvenir items at competitive prices... CLOSED !!!Monday : Hagia Sophia Museum,Turkish& Caferaga MedresesiTuesday : Topkapi Palace Museum Sunday : Grand Bazaar INCLUDES !!!Transportation , Lunch , Guide and All Museum Tickets ...Per Person fee is = 65 Euros by PAYPAL or By CASH ( Paypal details = hakan_hacibekiroglu@yahoo.com ) Ps : If you are more than 4 people please let us know that we give you a Special Price... of foundation for serving Turkish Culture organizes various workshops on handcrafts and music.PRINCESS ISLAND TOUR IN ISTANBUL,Full Day Princes Islands Tour 8,Daily Departure at 08.30 Am and returns at 17.00 Pm Cruise in Marmara Sea to Princes islands, stop at Buyukada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes. Tour of the island with horse-drawn carriages before lunch at a fish restaurant.Evening return to istanbul and transfer to hotels. Also visioned during the tour: Topkapi Palace, Leanders Tower, Uskudar from the sea.Operates all year round.HIGHLIGHTS,Princess Island,Horse drawn carriages ,What is Included in tour ?,Hotel Pick-up & drop-off - by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches.,Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries. Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide.,Services Charges & Local Taxes.,Lunch,What is Excluded in tour?,Beverage,Tips and Gratuities Personal Expenses,P.S : Hotel Pick-up & drop-off service are available only from the hotels located in the city center. HALF DAY ISTANBUL TOUR ,Dolmabahce Palace & Two Continents (Europe & Asia) With Lunch,Daily departure at 11.30 Am and returns at 17.00 Pm Bosphorus Bridge, drive on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful view when crossing the bridge from Europe to Asia. it is 1704m long and was the 4th longest in the world when completed. Unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.Lunch ( at the top of Camlica Hill ),Camlica Hill, the highest point in istanbul, exposing a panoramic view of istanbul city and Bosphorus from the best point of view.,Ortakoy, is a cosmopolitan area, bordering waters of the Bosphorus with communites of Turk, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. The neighbourhood hosts many different religious. it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists a like with art galleries, night clubs, restaurants, sitting by the waterfront for drink tea and coffee.,Dolmabahce Palace, was the first European style palace built by Ottoman Sultans between 1843 and 1846.This is the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. Ataturk lived the final part of his life in the residental part of the palace and died there.,Closed: Monday and Thusday; Dolmabahce Palace ( Replaced with Galata Tower ) HIGHLIGHTS,Dolmabahce Palace Museum ,Camlica Hill,Ortakoy and Ortakoy Mosque ,What is Included in tour ?,Hotel Pick-up & drop-off - by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches. Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries.Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide.Services Charges & Local Taxes.What is Excluded in tour? Meal,Beverage,Tips and Gratuities,Personal Expenses,P.S : Hotel Pick-up & drop-off service are available only from the hotels located in the city center. AFTERNOON OTTOMAN RELICS TOUR ,Half Day istanbul Ottoman Relics Tour 2 A,Ottoman Relics - Walking Tour Daily departure at 13.30 Pm and returns at 17.00 Pm Topkapi Palace: this extraordinary and secret palace was the residence of the imperial Ottoman Sultans and the center of the Ottoman might for nearly 400 years.The building is a typical example of Ottoman architecture and the rooms exhibit rich collections of porcelains, robes, weapons, shields, armors,Ottoman miniatures, islamic calligraphic manuscripts as well as Ottoman treasures and jewellery.( Treasury and Harem sections are not included in the program and are due to extra entry )Grand Bazaar: the largest covered market in the world with more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you may find in a authentic oriental atmosphere with all kind of gifts, leather clothing,rugs and kilims, antiques, jewellery,hand-woven fabrics etc...Closed: Tuesday; Topkapi Palace ( Replaced with Underground Cisterne ),includes; Transportation, Guide, Museums and Entrance Fees. HIGHLIGHTS,Topkapi Palace,Grand Bazaar,What is Included in tour ?,Hotel Pick-up & drop-off - by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches. Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries.,Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide.Services Charges & Local Taxes. What is Excluded in tour?,Meal,Beverage,Tips and Gratuities,Personal Expenses,P.S : Hotel Pick-up & drop-off service are available only from the hotels located in the city center. CLASSICAL TOUR ,Istanbul Group Tours,Group tours in istanbul,tours in istanbul,group tours by istanbul life,tours,groups,estambul,istambul,istambol turkey group tours,turkey tours,istanbul tours,accomadation istanbul,turkey,tours,grup turlari,grup turları,istanbul,sultanahmet group tours,princess islands group tours,bosphorus group tours,dolmabahce group tours,ottoman relics group tours,Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour in Istanbul / 60 € p.p,(Full Day Tour) Blue Mosque ,Hippodrome ( Obelisk of Theodosius , Serpentine Column ,Column of Constantine, German Fountaion) Topkapi Palace,Lunch ,Hagia Sophia,Sogukcesme Street,Grand Covered Bazaar Istanbul Group Tours,Group tours in istanbul,tours in istanbul,group tours by istanbul life,tours,groups,estambul,istambul,istambol turkey group tours,turkey tours,istanbul tours,accomadation istanbul,turkey,tours,grup turlari,grup turları,istanbul sultanahmet group tours,princess islands group tours,bosphorus group tours,dolmabahce group tours,ottoman relics group tours Proffesional Guide,Museum tickets ,Lunch are included.Ps : St.Sophia close on Monday – Topkapi Palace on Tuesday - Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday Bosphorus & Two Continents Tour / 50 Euros p.p,(Full Day Tour),Spice Bazaar Rustempasa Mosque,Bosphorus by Boat,Lunch,Beylerbeyi Palace,Camlica Hill , exposing a panoramic view of İstanbul and,Bosphorus from the best point of view ,Shopping,Proffesional Guide,Museum tickets , Transportation service and Lunch are included. Ps : Spice Bazaar close on Sunday - Beylerbeyi Palace on Monday and Thursday Dolmabahce Palace & Two Continents Tour / 30 Euros pp,(Half Day Afternoon Tour) Dolmabahce Palace recent residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons.Famous with the great collection of European antiquity , furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. Bosphorus Bridge , unique chance to step from one continent (EUROPE) to another (ASIA) in 2 minutes. Camlica Hill , exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view . Proffesional Guide,Museum tickets , Transportation service and Lunch are included. Ps : Dolmabahce Palace close on Monday and Thursday Istanbul Classic Tour / 30 Euros p.p,(Half Day Mornig) Tour of “Sultan Ahmet center” the heart of the “old city” from Where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia , one of the greatest marvels of architecture,Constructed as a basilica in the 6th . century by Emperor Justinian. Blue mosque , facing Hagia Sophia , famous with its blue iznik tiles And unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome , center of sportive ( Chariot races , athletics) Events and political activities of the old city. Serpentine column,Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the hippodrome; Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antique ,jewellery ,gold , carpets , leatherware and souvenir.FULL DAY JEWISH HERITAGE PRIVATE TOUR IN ISTANBUL,jewish heritage tour in istanbul,jewish tour,balat fener,galata,taksim, Except Saturday and Sunday !!!! - A ) Advance Reservation Required.B ) Photocopy of your passport picture page is needed in advance for visit permits. C ) Passports requried for security during the tour..D ) The times are given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them. Synagogue Visits In Istanbul.Jewish community have lived in the geographic area of Asia Minor for more than 2,400 years. In the later Middle Ages, Ashkenazi Jews migrating to the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire supplemented the original Jewish population of Asia Minor. At the end of the 15th century, a large number of Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal settled in Asia Minor on the invitation of the Ottoman Empire. Despite emigration during the 20th century, modern day Turkey continues a Jewish population.The present size of the Jewish Community is estimated at around 26,000 according to the Jewish Virtual Library. The vast majority live inIstanbul, with a community of about 2,500 in İzmir and other smaller groups located in the rest of Turkey. Sephardic Jews make up approximately 96% of Turkey's Jewish population, while the rest are primarily Ashkenazic.Turkish Jews are still legally represented by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. Rav Izak Haleva, is assisted by a religious Council made up of a Rosh Bet Din and three Hahamim. Thirty-five Lay Counselors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen, the president of which must be elected from among the Lay Counselors, runs the daily affairs.THE SYNAGOGUE VISIT ;Those are the Synagogues that we will visit during this tour. 08 : 30 Am Pick up from the hotel or from the cruise..09 : 00 Am Ashkenazi Synagogue for Morning Service,09 : 20 Am Galata Quarter Visit and Kamondo Steps 09 : 50 Am Balat jewish Quarter Walking Tour,10 : 00 Am Ahrida Synagogue,10 : 20 Am Tea / Coffe Break i,n a local Patisserie,11 : 00 Am Ortakoy Etz Ahayim Synagogue 11 : 30 Am Ortakoy Area & Bosphorus View Walking,12 : 15 Pm Jewish Museum ( Zulfaris Synagogue ),13 : 00 Pm Neve Shalom Synagogue,13 : 45 Pm Local Markets or Spice Bazaar Visit 14 : 30 Pm Rustempasa Mosque Visit,15 : 00 Pm End of the Tour and Return Back,The times are given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them. NOTE : In Turkey because of the security reasons; we need to inform the visitors arrival to the Synagogues,and get a special permission from the rabbinate. In order to do this we need the passport copies of each guests, hotel adresses & ask our guests to fill our a special form that is given by the Rabbinate. E-mail. ,The Ashkenazi Synagogue ,hakan hacibekiroglu,Located near the Galata Tower, it is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded by Ashkenazim of Austrian origin in 1900, it is the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim. Visits con be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.The Neve Shalom Synagogue ,Built and opened in 1951 and the scene of a tragic terrorist attack in 1986, it is the largest synagogue in Istanbul where most of the religious ceremonies are held. The Neve Shalom is open to the public for morning visits during the weekdays and for Shabbat prayers every Saturday morning. The Ahrida Synagogue ,Located in Balat near the Golden Horn, built by Jews of Ohri (Macedonia) more than 550 years ago and recently renovated during the Quincentennial Celebrations in 1992, the Ahrida Synagogue is known foremost by its boat-shaped bimah. It can only be visited during weekday mornings.Etz Ahayim Synagogue ,Located in Ortakoy, near the European leg of the Bosphorus Bridge. When the previous synagogue burned down in 1941 with only the marble Aron-ha-Kodesh remaining, the new synagogue was rebuilt on the location of the then midrash. Visits can be made with previous appointments and both weekday and Shabbat services can be attended likewise.If you want more information; you can send us an E-mail.Full Day Synagogue Visits in Istanbul,Starting at 08:30 am Ends 15:00 pm,2 & 4 Guest,150 Euros Per Person,5 & more Guest,110 Euros Per Person ,1 Guest,180 Euros Per Person,This is a private full day tour available all year long,Included Ent,ance Fees and Donations for all the Synagogues and Sites Tour includes transportation & guidance.,Early reservation is required.,Special Authorisation is required from the Rabbinate.,Upon request kosher food can be supplied. ,For more info please send us an E-mail. - Except Saturday and Sunday !!!! -A ) Advance Reservation Required.B ) Photocopy of your passport picture page is needed in advance for visit permits.C ) Passports requried for security during the tour..D ) The times are given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them. Synagogue Visits In Istanbul.Jewish community have lived in the geographic area of Asia Minor for more than 2,400 years. In the later Middle Ages, Ashkenazi Jews migrating to the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire supplemented the original Jewish population of Asia Minor. At the end of the 15th century, a large number of Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal settled in Asia Minor on the invitation of the Ottoman Empire. Despite emigration during the 20th century, modern day Turkey continues a Jewish population.The present size of the Jewish Community is estimated at around 26,000 according to the Jewish Virtual Library. The vast majority live inIstanbul, with a community of about 2,500 in İzmir and other smaller groups located in the rest of Turkey. Sephardic Jews make up approximately 96% of Turkey's Jewish population, while the rest are primarily Ashkenazic.Turkish Jews are still legally represented by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. Rav Izak Haleva, is assisted by a religious Council made up of a Rosh Bet Din and three Hahamim. Thirty-five Lay Counselors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen, the president of which must be elected from among the Lay Counselors, runs the daily affairs.Except Saturday and Sunday !!!! - A ) Advance Reservation Required. B ) Photocopy of your passport picture page is needed in advance for visit permits.,C ) Passports requried for security during the tour.. D ) The times are given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them.,Synagogue Visits In Istanbul. Jewish community have lived in the geographic area of Asia Minor for more than 2,400 years. In the later Middle Ages, Ashkenazi Jews migrating to the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire supplemented the original Jewish population of Asia Minor. At the end of the 15th century, a large number of Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal settled in Asia Minor on the invitation of the Ottoman Empire. Despite emigration during the 20th century, modern day Turkey continues a Jewish population.The present size of the Jewish Community is estimated at around 26,000 according to the Jewish Virtual Library. The vast majority live inIstanbul, with a community of about 2,500 in İzmir and other smaller groups located in the rest of Turkey. Sephardic Jews make up approximately 96% of Turkey's Jewish population, while the rest are primarily Ashkenazic.Turkish Jews are still legally represented by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. Rav Izak Haleva, is assisted by a religious Council made up of a Rosh Bet Din and three Hahamim. Thirty-five Lay Counselors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen, the president of which must be elected from among the Lay Counselors, runs the daily affairs. THE SYNAGOGUE VISIT ;,Those are the Synagogues that we will visit during this tour.,08 : 30 Am Pick up from the hotel or from the cruise.. 09 : 00 Am Ashkenazi Synagogue for Morning Service,09 : 20 Am Galata Quarter Visit and Kamondo Steps,09 : 50 Am Balat jewish Quarter Walking Tour 10 : 00 Am Ahrida Synagogue,10 : 20 Am Tea / Coffe Break in a local Patisserie,11 : 00 Am Ortakoy Etz Ahayim Synagogue,11 : 30 Am Ortakoy Area & Bosphorus View Walking 12 : 15 Pm Jewish Museum ( Zulfaris Synagogue ),13 : 00 Pm Neve Shalom Synagogue,13 : 45 Pm Local Markets or Spice Bazaar Visit,14 : 30 Pm Rustempasa Mosque Visit 15 : 00 Pm End of the Tour and Return Back,The times are given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them.,NOTE : In Turkey because of the security reasons; we need to inform the visitors arrival to the Synagogues,and get a special permission from the rabbinate. In order to do this we need the passport copies of each guests, hotel adresses & ask our guests to fill our a special form that is given by the Rabbinate. E-mail. The Ashkenazi Synagogue ,Located near the Galata Tower, it is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded by Ashkenazim of Austrian origin in 1900, it is the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim. Visits con be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.The Neve Shalom Synagogue ,Built and opened in 1951 and the scene of a tragic terrorist attack in 1986, it is the largest synagogue in Istanbul where most of the religious ceremonies are held. The Neve Shalom is open to the public for morning visits during the weekdays and for Shabbat prayers every Saturday morning.The Ahrida Synagogue ,Located in Balat near the Golden Horn, built by Jews of Ohri (Macedonia) more than 550 years ago and recently renovated during the Quincentennial Celebrations in 1992, the Ahrida Synagogue is known foremost by its boat-shaped bimah. It can only be visited during weekday mornings. ,Etz Ahayim Synagogue ,Located in Ortakoy, near the European leg of the Bosphorus Bridge. When the previous synagogue burned down in 1941 with only the marble Aron-ha-Kodesh remaining, the new synagogue was rebuilt on the location of the then midrash,. Visits can be made with previous appointments and both weekday and Shabbat services can be attended likewise.,If you want more information; you can send us an E-mail.,Full Day Synagogue Visits in Istanbul,tarting at 08:30 am Ends 15:00 pm,180 Euros Per Person,THE SYNAGOGUE VISIT ;Those are the Synagogues that we will visit during this tour.09.00 am Ashkenazi Synagogue,09.20 am Neve Shalom Synagogue ,10.30am Ahrida Synagogue,,13.00am Ortakoy Etz Ahayim Synagogue,The times ar given by the Rabbinate & Times can change According to Them.,NOTE : In Turkey because of the security reasons; we need to inform the visitors arrival to the Synagogues,and get a special permission from the rabbinate. In order to do this we need the passport copies of each guests, hotel adresses & ask our guests to fill our a special form that is given by the Rabbinate. E-mail. ,The Ashkenazi Synagogue ,Located near the Galata Tower, it is the only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers. Founded by Ashkenazim of Austrian origin in 1900, it is the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim. Visits con be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.,The Neve Shalom Synagogue ,uilt and opened in 1951 and the scene of a tragic terrorist attack in 1986, it is the largest synagogue in Istanbul where most of the religiou,s ceremonies are held. The Neve Shalom is open to the public for morning visits during the weekdays and for Shabbat prayers every Saturday morning.,,The Ahrida Synagogue ,Located in Balat near the Golden Horn, built by Jews of Ohri (Macedonia) more than 550 years ago and recently renovated during the Quincentennial Celebrations in 1992, the Ahrida Synagogue is known foremost by its boat-shaped bimah. It can only be visited during weekday mornings.,Etz Ahayim Synagogue ,Located in Ortakoy, near the European leg of the Bosphorus Bridge. When the previous synagogue burned down in 1941 with only the marble Aron-ha-Kodesh remaining, the new synagogue was rebuilt on the location of the then midrash. Visits can be made with previous appointments and both weekday and Shabbat services can be attended likewise.,After visit all synagogues in Istanbul you will visit also Jewish Museum , Spice Bazaar or Grand Bazaar , Rustempasa Mosque and New Mosque in Eminonu ...,If you want more information; you can send us an E-mail.The History of Turkish Jewish by Naim Avigdor GÜLERYÜZ ,The History of Turkish Jewish,by Naim Avigdor GÜLERYÜZ,Foreword,On the midnight of August 2nd 1492, when Columbus embarked on what would become his most famous expedition to the New World, his fleet departed from the relatively unknown seaport of Palos because the shipping lanes of Cadiz and Seville were clogged with Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain by the Edict of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain.The Jews forced either to convert to Christianity or to "leave" the country under menace "they dare not return... not so much as to take a step on them not trespass upon them in any manner whatsoever" left their land, their property, their belongings all that was theirs and familiar to them rather than abandon their beliefs, their traditions, their heritage.,In the faraway Ottoman Empire, one ruler extended an immediate welcome to the persecuted Jews of Spain, the Sephardim. He was the Sultan Bayazid II.,,In 1992, the Discovery year for all those connected to the America continents - North, Central and South - world Jewry was concerned with commemorating not only the expulsion, but also seven centuries of the Jewish life in Spain, flourishing under Muslim rule, and the 500th anniversary of the official welcome extended by the Ottoman Empire in 1492.,This humanitarianism demonstrated at that time, was consistent with the beneficence and goodwill traditionally displayed by the Turkish government and people towards those of different creeds, cultures and backgrounds. Indeed, Turkey could serve as a model to be emulated by any nation which finds refugees from any of the four corners of the world standing at its doors.In 1992, Turkish Jewry celebrated not only the anniversary of this gracious welcome, but also the remarkable spirit of tolerance and acceptance which has characterized the whole Jewish experience in Turkey. The events being planned - symposiums, conferences, concerts, exhibitions, films and books, restoration of ancient Synagogues etc - commemorated the longevity and prosperity of the Jewish community. As a whole, the celebration aimed to demonstrate the richness and security of life Jews have found in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic over seven centuries, and showed that indeed it is not impossible for people of different creeds to live together peacefully under one flag.,A History Predating 1492 The history of the Jews in Anatolia started many centuries before the migration of Sephardic Jews. Remnants of Jewish settlements from the 4th century B.C. have been uncovered in the Aegean region. The historian Josephus Flavius relates that Aristotle "met Jewish people with whom he had an exchange of views during his trip across Asia Minor.",Ancient synagogue ruins have been found in Sardis, Miletus, Priene, Phocee, etc. dating from 220 B.C. and traces of other Jewish settlements have been discovered near Bursa, in the southeast and along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. A bronze column found in Ankara confirms the rights the Emperor Augustus accorded the Jews of Asia Minor. Jewish communities in Anatolia flourished and continued to prosper through the Turkish conquest. When the Ottomans captured Bursa in 1326 and made it their capital, they found a Jewish community oppressed under Byzantine rule. The Jews welcomed the Ottomans as saviours. Sultan Orhan gave them permission to build the Etz ha-Hayyim (Tree of Life) synagogue which remained in service until nineteen forties.Early in the 14th century, when the Ottomans had established their capital at Edirne, Jews from Europe, including Karaites, migrated there. (1) Similarly, Jews expelled from Hungary in 1376, from France by Charles VI in September 1394, and from Sicily early in the 15th century found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. In the 1420s, Jews from Salonika, then under Venetian control, fled to Edirne. (2) Ottoman rule was much kinder than Byzantine rule had been. In fact, from the early 15th century on, the Ottomans actively encouraged Jewish immigration. A letter sent by Rabbi Yitzhak Sarfati (from Edirne) to Jewish communities in Europe in the first part of the century"invited his co-religionists to leave the torments they were enduring in Christiandom and to seek safety and prosperity in Turkey". (3)When Mehmet II "the Conqueror" took Constantinople in 1453, he encountered an oppressed Romaniot (Byzantine) Jewish community which welcomed him with enthusiasm. Sultan Mehmet II issued a proclamation to all Jews "... to ascend the site of the Imperial Throne, to dwell in the best of the land, each beneath his Dine and his fig tree, with silver and with gold, with wealth and with cattle...". (4) In 1470, Jews expelled from Bavaria by Ludvig X found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. (5),A Haven for Sephardic Jews Sultan Bayazid II's offer of refuge gave new hope to the persecuted Sephardim. In 1492, the Sultan ordered the governors of the provinces of the Ottoman Empire "not to refuse the Jews entry or cause them difficulties, but to receive them cordially"; (6) According to Bernard Lewis, "the Jews were not just permitted to settle in the Ottoman lands, but were encouraged, assisted and sometimes even compelled".Immanual Aboab attributes to Bayazid II the famous remark that "the Catholic monarch Ferdinand was wrongly considered as wise, since he impoverished Spain by the expulsion of the Jews, and enriched Turkey". (7)The arrival of the Sephardim altered the structure of the community and the original group of Romaniote Jews was totally absorbed.,Over the centuries an increasing number of European Jews, escaping persecution in their native countries, settled in the Ottoman Empire. In 1537 the Jews expelled from Apulia (Italy) after the city fell under Papal control, in 1542 those expelled from Bohemia by King Ferdinand found a safe haven in the Ottoman Empire. (8) In March of 1556, Sultan Suleyman "the Magnificent" wrote a letter to Pope Paul IV asking for the immediate release of the Ancona Marranos, which he declared to be Ottoman citizens. The Pope had no other alternative than to release them, the Ottoman Empire being the "Super Power" of those days. By 1477, Jewish households in Istanbul numbered 1647 or 11% of the total. Half a century later, 8070 Jewish houses were listed in the city. The Life of Ottoman Jews For 300 years following the expulsion, the prosperity and creativity of the Ottoman Jews rivalled that of the Golden Age of Spain. Four Turkish cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Safed and Salonica became the centres of Sephardic Jewry.,Most of the court physicians were Jews: Hakim Yakoub, Joseph and Moshe Hamon, Daniel Fonseca, Gabriel Buenaventura to name only very few.,,One of the most significant innovations that Jews brought to the Ottoman Empire was the printing press. In 1493, only one year after their expulsion from Spain, David & Samuel ibn Nahmias established the first Hebrew printing press in Istanbul. Ottoman diplomacy was often carried out by Jews. Joseph Nasi, appointed the Duke of Naxos, was the former Portuguese Marrano Joao Miques. Another Portuguese Marrano, Alvaro Mendes, was named Duke of Mytylene in return of his diplomatic services to the Sultan.Salamon ben Nathan Eskenazi arranged the first diplomatic ties with the British Empire. Jewish women such as Dona Gracia Mendes Nasi "La Seniora" and Esther Kyra exercised considerable influence in the Court. In the free air of the Ottoman Empire, Jewish literature flourished. Joseph Caro compiled the Shulhan Arouh. Shlomo haLevi Alkabescomposed the Lekhah Dodi a hymn which welcomes the Sabbath according to both Sephardic and Ashkenazi ritual. Jacob Culi began to write the famous MeAm Loez. Rabbi Abraham ben Isaac Assa became known as the father of Judeo-Spanish literature.,On October 27,1840 Sultan Abdulmecid issued his famous ferman concerning the "Blood Libel Accusation" saying: "... and for the love we bear to our subjects, we cannot permit the Jewish nation, whose innocence for the crime alleged against them is evident, to be worried and tormented as a consequence of accusations which have not the least foundation in truth...".,Under Ottoman tradition, each non-Muslim religious community was responsible for its own institutions, including schools. In the early 19th century, Abraham de Camondo established a modern school, "La Escola", causing a serious conflict between conservative and secular rabbis which was only settled by the intervention of Sultan Abdulaziz in 1864. The same year the Takkanot haKehilla (By-laws of the Jewish Community) was published, defining the structure of the Jewish community.An important event in the life of Ottoman Jews in the 17th century was the schism led by Sabetay Sevi, the pseudo Messiah who lived in Izmir and later adopted Islam with his followers.,Equality and a New Republic Efforts at reform of the Ottoman Empire led to the proclamation of the Hatt-ı Humayun in 1856, which made all Ottoman citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, equal under the law. As a result, leadership of the community began to shift away from the religious figure to secular forces.,,World War I brought to an end the glory of the Ottoman Empire. In its place rose the young Turkish Republic. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was elected president, the Caliphate was abolished and a secular constitution was adopted.,Recognized in 1923 by the Treaty of Lausanne as a fully independent state within its present day borders, Turkey accorded minority rights to the three principal non-Muslim religious minorities and permitted them to carry on with their own schools, social institutions and funds. In 1926, on the eve of Turkey's adoption of the Swiss Civil Code, the Jewish Community renounced its minority status on personal rights.During the tragic days of World War II, Turkey managed to maintain its neutrality. As early as 1933 Ataturk invited numbers of prominent German Jewish professors to flee Nazi Germany and settle in Turkey. Before and during the war years, these scholars contributed a great deal to the development of the Turkish university system. During World War II Turkey served as a safe passage for many Jews fleeing the horrors of the Nazism. While the Jewish communities of Greece were wiped out almost completely by Hitler, the Turkish Jews remained secure. Several Turkish diplomats, Ambassadors Behic Erkin and Numan Menemencioglu; Consul-Generals Fikret Sefik Ozdoganci, Bedii Arbel, Selahattin Ulkumen; Consuls Namik Kemal Yolga and Necdet Kent, just to name only few, made every effort to save the Turkish Jews in the Nazi occupied countries, from the Holocaust. They succeeded. Mr. Salahattin Ulkumen, Consul General at Rhodes in 1943-1944, was recognized by the Yad Vashem as a Righteous Gentile "Hassid Umot ha'Olam" in June 1990. Turkey continues to be a shelter, a haven for all those who have to flee the dogmatism, intolerance and persecution.,Turkish Jews Today The present size of Jewish Community is estimated at around 25.000. The vast majority live in Istanbul, with a community of about 2.500 in Izmir and other smaller groups located in Adana, Ankara, Antakya, Bursa, Canakkale, Kirklareli etc. Sephardim make up 96% of the Community, with Ashkenazim accounting for the rest. There are about 100 Karaites, an independent group who does not accept the authority of the Chief Rabbi. Turkish Jews are legally represented, as they have been for many centuries, by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. He is assisted by a religious Council made up of five Hahamim. Fifty Lay Counsellors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen runs the daily matters. Representatives of Jewish foundations and institutions meet four times a year as a so-called ??think tank?? to exchange opinions on different subjects concerning the Turkish Jewry. ,Synagogues are classified as religious foundations (Vakifs). There are 18 synagogues in use in Istanbul today. Three are in service in holiday resorts, during summer only. Some of them are very old, especially Ahrida Synagogue in the Balat area, which dates from middle15th century. The 15th and 16th century Haskoy and Kuzguncuk cemeteries in Istanbul are still in use today.,??The Museum of Turkish Jews?? (Türk Musevileri Müzesi), the first such Museum in Turkey, has been inaugurated on November 25,2001. (Details at the end of this article),Education, Language and Social Life Most Jewish children attend state schools or private Turkish or foreign language schools, and many are enrolled in the universities. Additionally, the Community maintains in Istanbul a school complex including elementary and secondary schools for around 700 students. Turkish is the language of instruction, and Hebrew is taught 3 to 5 hours a week.,While younger Jews speak Turkish as their native language, the over-70-years-old generation is more at home speaking in French or Judeo-Spanish (Ladino). A conscious effort is spent to preserve the heritage of Judeo-Spanish.,For many years Turkish Jews have had their own press. La Buena ,Esperansa and La Puerta del Oriente started in Izmir in 1843 and Or Israelwas first published in Istanbul ten years later. Now one newspaper survives: SALOM (Shalom), a fourteen to sixteen pages weekly in Turkish with one page in Judeo-Spanish. A Community Calendar (Halila) is published by the Chief Rabbinate every year and distributed free of charge to all those who have paid their dues (Kisba) to the welfare bodies. The Community cannot levy taxes, but can request donations.,Two Jewish hospitals, the 98 bed Or-Ahayim in Istanbul and the 22 bed KaratasHospital in Izmir, serve the Community. Both cities have homes for the aged (Moshav Zekinim) and several welfare associations to assist the poor, the sick, the needy children and orphans. Social clubs containing libraries, cultural and sports facilities, discotheques give young people the chance to meet. ,The Jewish Community is of course a very small group in Turkey today, considering that the total population - 99% Muslim - exceeds 67 million. But in spite of their number the Jews have distinguished themselves. There are several Jewish professors teaching at the Universities of Istanbul and Ankara, and many Turkish Jews are prominent in business, industry, liberal professions and journalism.,(1) Mark Alan Epstein, "The Ottoman Jewish Communities and their role in the 15th and 16th centuries",(2) Joseph Nehama, "Histoire des Israelites de Salonique",(3) Bernard Lewis, "The Jews of Islam",(4) Encyclopedia Judaica, Volume 16 page 1532 (5) Avram Galante, "Histoire des Juifs d'lstanbul", Volume 2,(6) Abraham Danon, Review Yossef Daath No.4,(7) Immanual Aboab, "A Consolacam as Tribulacoes de Israel, III Israel",(8) H. Graetz, History of the Jews,The History of Turkish Jewish by Naim Avigdor GÜLERYÜZ ,The History of Turkish Jewish,by Naim Avigdor GÜLERYÜZ,Foreword,On the midnight of August 2nd 1492, when Columbus embarked on what would become his most famous expedition to the New World, his fleet departed from the relatively unknown seaport of Palos because the shipping lanes of Cadiz and Seville were clogged with Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain by the Edict of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain.The Jews forced either to convert to Christianity or to "leave" the country under menace "they dare not return... not so much as to take a step on them not trespass upon them in any manner whatsoever" left their land, their property, their belongings all that was theirs and familiar to them rather than abandon their beliefs, their traditions, their heritage.,In the faraway Ottoman Empire, one ruler extended an immediate welcome to the persecuted Jews of Spain, the Sephardim. He was the Sultan Bayazid II. ,In 1992, the Discovery year for all those connected to the America continents - North, Central and South - world Jewry was concerned with commemorating not only the expulsion, but also seven centuries of the Jewish life in Spain, flourishing under Muslim rule, and the 500th anniversary of the official welcome extended by the Ottoman Empire in 1492.,This humanitarianism demonstrated at that time, was consistent with the beneficence and goodwill traditionally displayed by the Turkish government and people towards those of different creeds, cultures and backgrounds. Indeed, Turkey could serve as a model to be emulated by any nation which finds refugees from any of the four corners of the world standing at its doors.In 1992, Turkish Jewry celebrated not only the anniversary of this gracious welcome, but also the remarkable spirit of tolerance and acceptance which has characterized the whole Jewish experience in Turkey. The events being planned - symposiums, conferences, concerts, exhibitions, films and books, restoration of ancient Synagogues etc - commemorated the longevity and prosperity of the Jewish community. As a whole, the celebration aimed to demonstrate the richness and security of life Jews have found in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic over seven centuries, and showed that indeed it is not impossible for people of different creeds to live together peacefully under one flag.,A History Predating 1492 The history of the Jews in Anatolia started many centuries before the migration of Sephardic Jews. Remnants of Jewish settlements from the 4th century B.C. have been uncovered in the Aegean region. The historian Josephus Flavius relates that Aristotle "met Jewish people with whom he had an exchange of views during his trip across Asia Minor.",Ancient synagogue ruins have been found in Sardis, Miletus, Priene, Phocee, etc. dating from 220 B.C. and traces of other Jewish settlements have been discovered near Bursa, in the southeast and along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. A bronze column found in Ankara confirms the rights the Emperor Augustus accorded the Jews of Asia Minor. Jewish communities in Anatolia flourished and continued to prosper through the Turkish conquest. When the Ottomans captured Bursa in 1326 and made it their capital, they found a Jewish community oppressed under Byzantine rule. The Jews welcomed the Ottomans as saviours. Sultan Orhan gave them permission to build the Etz ha-Hayyim (Tree of Life) synagogue which remained in service until nineteen forties.Early in the 14th century, when the Ottomans had established their capital at Edirne, Jews from Europe, including Karaites, migrated there. (1) Similarly, Jews expelled from Hungary in 1376, from France by Charles VI in September 1394, and from Sicily early in the 15th century found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. In the 1420s, Jews from Salonika, then under Venetian control, fled to Edirne. (2) Ottoman rule was much kinder than Byzantine rule had been. In fact, from the early 15th century on, the Ottomans actively encouraged Jewish immigration. A letter sent by Rabbi Yitzhak Sarfati (from Edirne) to Jewish communities in Europe in the first part of the century"invited his co-religionists to leave the torments they were enduring in Christiandom and to seek safety and prosperity in Turkey". (3)When Mehmet II "the Conqueror" took Constantinople in 1453, he encountered an oppressed Romaniot (Byzantine) Jewish community which welcomed him with enthusiasm. Sultan Mehmet II issued a proclamation to all Jews "... to ascend the site of the Imperial Throne, to dwell in the best of the land, each beneath his Dine and his fig tree, with silver and with gold, with wealth and with cattle...". (4) In 1470, Jews expelled from Bavaria by Ludvig X found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. (5),A Haven for Sephardic Jews Sultan Bayazid II's offer of refuge gave new hope to the persecuted Sephardim. In 1492, the Sultan ordered the governors of the provinces of the Ottoman Empire "not to refuse the Jews entry or cause them difficulties, but to receive them cordially"; (6) According to Bernard Lewis, "the Jews were not just permitted to settle in the Ottoman lands, but were encouraged, assisted and sometimes even compelled".Immanual Aboab attributes to Bayazid II the famous remark that "the Catholic monarch Ferdinand was wrongly considered as wise, since he impoverished Spain by the expulsion of the Jews, and enriched Turkey". (7)The arrival of the Sephardim altered the structure of the community and the original group of Romaniote Jews was totally absorbed.,Over the centuries an increasing number of European Jews, escaping persecution in their native countries, settled in the Ottoman Empire. In 1537 the Jews expelled from Apulia (Italy) after the city fell under Papal control, in 1542 those expelled from Bohemia by King Ferdinand found a safe haven in the Ottoman Empire. (8) In March of 1556, Sultan Suleyman "the Magnificent" wrote a letter to Pope Paul IV asking for the immediate release of the Ancona Marranos, which he declared to be Ottoman citizens. The Pope had no other alternative than to release them, the Ottoman Empire being the "Super Power" of those days. By 1477, Jewish households in Istanbul numbered 1647 or 11% of the total. Half a century later, 8070 Jewish houses were listed in the city. The Life of Ottoman Jews For 300 years following the expulsion, the prosperity and creativity of the Ottoman Jews rivalled that of the Golden Age of Spain. Four Turkish cities: Istanbul, Izmir, Safed and Salonica became the centres of Sephardic Jewry.,Most of the court physicians were Jews: Hakim Yakoub, Joseph and Moshe Hamon, Daniel Fonseca, Gabriel Buenaventura to name only very few.,,One of the most significant innovations that Jews brought to the Ottoman Empire was the printing press. In 1493, only one year after their expulsion from Spain, David & Samuel ibn Nahmias established the first Hebrew printing press in Istanbul. Ottoman diplomacy was often carried out by Jews. Joseph Nasi, appointed the Duke of Naxos, was the former Portuguese Marrano Joao Miques. Another Portuguese Marrano, Alvaro Mendes, was named Duke of Mytylene in return of his diplomatic services to the Sultan.Salamon ben Nathan Eskenazi arranged the first diplomatic ties with the British Empire. Jewish women such as Dona Gracia Mendes Nasi "La Seniora" and Esther Kyra exercised considerable influence in the Court. In the free air of the Ottoman Empire, Jewish literature flourished. Joseph Caro compiled the Shulhan Arouh. Shlomo haLevi Alkabescomposed the Lekhah Dodi a hymn which welcomes the Sabbath according to both Sephardic and Ashkenazi ritual. Jacob Culi began to write the famous MeAm Loez. Rabbi Abraham ben Isaac Assa became known as the father of Judeo-Spanish literature.,On October 27,1840 Sultan Abdulmecid issued his famous ferman concerning the "Blood Libel Accusation" saying: "... and for the love we bear to our subjects, we cannot permit the Jewish nation, whose innocence for the crime alleged against them is evident, to be worried and tormented as a consequence of accusations which have not the least foundation in truth...".,Under Ottoman tradition, each non-Muslim religious community was responsible for its own institutions, including schools. In the early 19th century, Abraham de Camondo established a modern school, "La Escola", causing a serious conflict between conservative and secular rabbis which was only settled by the intervention of Sultan Abdulaziz in 1864. The same year the Takkanot haKehilla (By-laws of the Jewish Community) was published, defining the structure of the Jewish community.An important event in the life of Ottoman Jews in the 17th century was the schism led by Sabetay Sevi, the pseudo Messiah who lived in Izmir and later adopted Islam with his followers.,Equality and a New Republic Efforts at reform of the Ottoman Empire led to the proclamation of the Hatt-ı Humayun in 1856, which made all Ottoman citizens, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, equal under the law. As a result, leadership of the community began to shift away from the religious figure to secular forces.,,World War I brought to an end the glory of the Ottoman Empire. In its place rose the young Turkish Republic. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was elected president, the Caliphate was abolished and a secular constitution was adopted.,Recognized in 1923 by the Treaty of Lausanne as a fully independent state within its present day borders, Turkey accorded minority rights to the three principal non-Muslim religious minorities and permitted them to carry on with their own schools, social institutions and funds. In 1926, on the eve of Turkey's adoption of the Swiss Civil Code, the Jewish Community renounced its minority status on personal rights.During the tragic days of World War II, Turkey managed to maintain its neutrality. As early as 1933 Ataturk invited numbers of prominent German Jewish professors to flee Nazi Germany and settle in Turkey. Before and during the war years, these scholars contributed a great deal to the development of the Turkish university system. During World War II Turkey served as a safe passage for many Jews fleeing the horrors of the Nazism. While the Jewish communities of Greece were wiped out almost completely by Hitler, the Turkish Jews remained secure. Several Turkish diplomats, Ambassadors Behic Erkin and Numan Menemencioglu; Consul-Generals Fikret Sefik Ozdoganci, Bedii Arbel, Selahattin Ulkumen; Consuls Namik Kemal Yolga and Necdet Kent, just to name only few, made every effort to save the Turkish Jews in the Nazi occupied countries, from the Holocaust. They succeeded. Mr. Salahattin Ulkumen, Consul General at Rhodes in 1943-1944, was recognized by the Yad Vashem as a Righteous Gentile "Hassid Umot ha'Olam" in June 1990. Turkey continues to be a shelter, a haven for all those who have to flee the dogmatism, intolerance and persecution.,Turkish Jews Today The present size of Jewish Community is estimated at around 25.000. The vast majority live in Istanbul, with a community of about 2.500 in Izmir and other smaller groups located in Adana, Ankara, Antakya, Bursa, Canakkale, Kirklareli etc. Sephardim make up 96% of the Community, with Ashkenazim accounting for the rest. There are about 100 Karaites, an independent group who does not accept the authority of the Chief Rabbi. Turkish Jews are legally represented, as they have been for many centuries, by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. He is assisted by a religious Council made up of five Hahamim. Fifty Lay Counsellors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen runs the daily matters. Representatives of Jewish foundations and institutions meet four times a year as a so-called ??think tank?? to exchange opinions on different subjects concerning the Turkish Jewry. ,Synagogues are classified as religious foundations (Vakifs). There are 18 synagogues in use in Istanbul today. Three are in service in holiday resorts, during summer only. Some of them are very old, especially Ahrida Synagogue in the Balat area, which dates from middle15th century. The 15th and 16th century Haskoy and Kuzguncuk cemeteries in Istanbul are still in use today.,??The Museum of Turkish Jews?? (Türk Musevileri Müzesi), the first such Museum in Turkey, has been inaugurated on November 25,2001. (Details at the end of this article),Education, Language and Social Life Most Jewish children attend state schools or private Turkish or foreign language schools, and many are enrolled in the universities. Additionally, the Community maintains in Istanbul a school complex including elementary and secondary schools for around 700 students. Turkish is the language of instruction, and Hebrew is taught 3 to 5 hours a week.,While younger Jews speak Turkish as their native language, the over-70-years-old generation is more at home speaking in French or Judeo-Spanish (Ladino). A conscious effort is spent to preserve the heritage of Judeo-Spanish.,For many years Turkish Jews have had their own press. La Buena ,Esperansa and La Puerta del Oriente started in Izmir in 1843 and Or Israelwas first published in Istanbul ten years later. Now one newspaper survives: SALOM (Shalom), a fourteen to sixteen pages weekly in Turkish with one page in Judeo-Spanish. A Community Calendar (Halila) is published by the Chief Rabbinate every year and distributed free of charge to all those who have paid their dues (Kisba) to the welfare bodies. The Community cannot levy taxes, but can request donations.,Two Jewish hospitals, the 98 bed Or-Ahayim in Istanbul and the 22 bed KaratasHospital in Izmir, serve the Community. Both cities have homes for the aged (Moshav Zekinim) and several welfare associations to assist the poor, the sick, the needy children and orphans. Social clubs containing libraries, cultural and sports facilities, discotheques give young people the chance to meet. ,The Jewish Community is of course a very small group in Turkey today, considering that the total population - 99% Muslim - exceeds 67 million. But in spite of their number the Jews have distinguished themselves. There are several Jewish professors teaching at the Universities of Istanbul and Ankara, and many Turkish Jews are prominent in business, industry, liberal professions and journalism.,(1) Mark Alan Epstein, "The Ottoman Jewish Communities and their role in the 15th and 16th centuries",(2) Joseph Nehama, "Histoire des Israelites de Salonique",(3) Bernard Lewis, "The Jews of Islam",(4) Encyclopedia Judaica, Volume 16 page 1532 (5) Avram Galante, "Histoire des Juifs d'lstanbul", Volume 2,(6) Abraham Danon, Review Yossef Daath No.4,(7) Immanual Aboab, "A Consolacam as Tribulacoes de Israel, III Israel",(8) H. Graetz, History of the Jews

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Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace & Two Continents

Tour Price : 70 Euro

Duration : Full Day

Tour Type : Budget, Daily Tours, Luxury, Mini Tours

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Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace & Two Continents

Daily departure at 08.30 Am and returns at 17.00 Pm

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), built between 1597 and 1664, it is the second oldest covered bazaar in the city. You may find there mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc..

Rustem Pasha Mosque, Mimar Sinan built this mosque in 1560 for Rustem Pasha, son-in-law and the grand vizier of Suleyman the Magnificent. its particular beauty lies in iznik tiles covering it, both inside and outside.

Bosphorus Cruise, the Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia, making istanbul one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the only one built astride two continents; this romantic cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Plalace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unige maritime landscapes.

Bosphorus Bridge, drive on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful view when crossing the bridge from Europe to Asia.it is 1704m long and was the 4th longest in the world when completed.Unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another(Asia) in 2 minutes.

Lunch (at the top of Camlica Hill)

Camlica Hill, the highest point in istanbul, exposing a panoramic view of istanbul city and Bosphorus from the best point of view.

Ortakoy, is a cosmopolitan area, bordering waters of the Bosphorus with communites of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews.The neighbourhood hosts many different religious. it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists a like with art galleries, night clubs, restaurants, sitting by the waterfront for drink tea and coffee.

Dolmabahce Palace, was the first European style palace built by Ottoman Sultans between 1843 and 1846.This is the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. Ataturk lived the final part of his life in the residental part of the palace and died there.

Closed: Mondays and Thursdays; Dolmabahce Palace (Replaced with Galata Tower)

includes; Lunch, Transportation, Guide, Boat Cruise, Museums and Entrance Fees.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bosphorus

Two continents

Camlica Hill

Dolmabahce Palace Museum

Ortakoy

Spice Bazaar

What is Included in tour ?
Hotel Pick-up & drop-off - by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches.
Entrance Fees mentioned by the itineraries.
Professional Licenced English Speaking Tour Guide.
Services Charges & Local Taxes.
Lunch

What is Excluded in tour?
Beverage
Tips and Gratuities
Personal Expenses

P.S : Hotel Pick-up & drop-off service are available only from the hotels located in the city center.
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