General

Half Day Morning Jewish Heritage Tour in Istanbul

PS = If your e-mail is not answered during the day, please contact us on Whatsapp.
Contact : Mr Hakan HACIBEKIROGLU Whatsapp : +905337385862

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 ;

Half Day Morning Synagogue Visits in Istanbul Starting at 08:30 Am Ends 13:30 Pm

08 : 30 Am Pick up from the Hotel or from AIRBNB Aparment or from the Cruise Port ..
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 : 10 Am Ahrida Synagogue ( The Oldest Synagogue in Istanbul )
10 : 30 Am Tea / Coffee Break in a Local Patisserie in Balat Area
11 : 00 Am Jewish Museum in Galata Area
12 : 15 Pm Local Markets or Spice Bazaar Visit
13 : 30 Pm End of the Tour and Return Back to the hotel or cruise ship

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 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.

Half Day Morning Synagogue Visits in Istanbul
Starting at 08:30 Am Ends 13:00 Pm

2 – 3 Guest	200 Euro Per Person
4 – 6 Guest	175 Euro Per Person
7 – 10 Guest	140 Euro Per Person
11 – More Guest	95 Euro Per Person
1 Guest	400 Euro Per Person