Jewish Heritage and Jewish Treasures of Istanbul Tour

THE STORY OF TURKISH JEWS who were deported from Spain in 1492, now living in Türkiye for more than 500 years in peace & harmony.

Start after breakfast for a tour of Galata, the centuries-old Jewish neighbourhood with its famous tower built by the Genoese. Visit Neve Shalom Synagogue or Ashkenaz Synagogue (upon availability)

Drive to Balat along the Golden Horn, a residential area of the Ottoman Jews where the “Star of David” still appears on the facades of some buildings. Visit Ahrida Synagogue, built in the 15th century and from outside Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim).

Visit Zülfaris Jewish Museum of the Quincentennial Foundation and the “Oldies House” at Hasköy.

The Jewish Cemetery is where the martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Stop at Ortaköy, the first disembarkation point for Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain by the religious disturbance of the Spanish King and the Queen, desperate on the ships in the middle of the sea, not being accepted by any European country except the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid Khan The Second who welcomed them offering a safe and peaceful life. Last visit to Etz Ahayim Synagogue in Ortaköy.

Tour Code: PLN021