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Duration : Half day 4-5 hours || Full day 7-8 hours (approx.)
Galata Tower
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum of Istanbul)
Balat
Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue
Jewish Cemetery
Galata Tower
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Ashkenazi Synagogue
Zulfaris Synagogue (Jewish Museum of Istanbul)
Schedule details
Jewish Heritage Tours in Istanbul, begin of Sephardic history at the Galata Quarter, a region which had been almost completely Jewish for more than 400 years. Today, Galata is known throughout the world by its huge tower, built in 1303 by the Genovese. Visit the Galata Tower, the office of the Chief Rabbinate is also located in Galata today, there are 16 Synagogues in Istanbul that are still in use.
First, visit the Neve Shalom Synagogue, used for most of the community functions today, as well as the Ashkenazi Synagogue dating from the nineteenth century and the only Ashkenazi Synagogue in Istanbul, originally built by the Austrian Jews. Stop at the Zulfaris Synagogue, which now also serves as the Museum of Turkish Jewish Museum since 2001. Its name comes from the street where it is located, which was called Zulf-u arus (present day Percemli Sokak) in Karakoy, which means “Bridal Curls” in both versions, as it was here that the brides, over the centuries, would walk by to go to the synagogue to get married. “Half day tour returning to where the tour concludes”.
” Full day tour ; You will continue to Lunch at a local Seafood Restaurant. (Lunch fee is not included) Drive to Balat, a Jewish working-class district on the shores of the Golden Horn, which absorbed most of the settlers in the fifteenth century from Spain.
Visit the recently restored Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue, originally built in the 15th century and is the earliest synagogue in Istanbul. The original 20-foot long oak bimah (teva), shaped either like Noah’s Ark or, like the Ottoman ship which brought the Sephardim to freedom from Spain to Turkey, can still be seen. Then visit the Jewish Cemetery before returning to where you tour concludes.
Inclusions
Pickup and drop-off included
Half Day Tour Price
Full Day Tour Price
Payment
Additional information
- Some Synagogues may not be accessible at the time of your tour. We need your full name, birthday and passport copies by email or fax in order to get the special permission for visiting the Synagogues in Istanbul.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
- At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time.
- Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
- Please enter your preferred pickup time in the Special Requirements box at the time of booking, and reconfirm 48 hours prior to the tour’s departure time.
- Ephesus requires walking long distances over uneven surfaces, comfortable clothing and closed toe, sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sunglasses and sunscreen are suggested.
- We will ensure your timely return to the Kusadasi or Izmir port for this activity. If you are not returned to the ship in time to board, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call.
Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one !
We had a fantastic time and would love to go back to Istanbul to explore more.
El Paisaje de istanbul privado fue otra perspectiva del lugar ya que es mi segunda vez lo recomiendo
Una noche turca en istanbul es ideal para completar el tour privado fue todo jermoso gracias
A glorious example of the rich cultural life of Turkish Jews, the Ahrida has its rightful place among major synagogues of the world. The oldest of Istanbul’s 16 synagogues in use today, located in the neighborhood of Balat (Istanbul), the Ahrida dates from the early 15th century. A remarkable feature of the Ahrida is its Teva (Bima) which is in the shape of the prow of a ship. The tradition says that it symbolizes either Noah’s Ark or the Ottoman ships which transported the Sephardim from Spain to Turkey. Its design is impressive and memorable.
The Ahrida was badly damaged by a fire in the late 17th century, which may even have destroyed it completely. The exact year of the fire is unknown, but an imperial Berman dated 1694 calls for the rebuilding of the synagogue, which was done at the time in the Baroque style of the Tulip Period.
The restoration project, overseen by architect Husrev Tayla, revealed various styles of architecture layered one on top of the other.
Hay muchas paginas donde ver un tour privado perk este es el mejor y en istabul fueron de maravilla gracias por todo
Istanbul es una ciudad magica y hay que visitrla el tour privado es ideal para eso
I have never had a better tour guide than Selcuk Senkan. He was professional, funny, knowledgeable.
We had a private tour to Istanbul. It was a great trip with a knowledgeable and friendly guide. The private car was very clean and the driver was nice. Highly recommended.
Neve Shalom Synagogue
Address ; Büyük Hendek Cad. No:39 Şişhane Istanbul, Turkey
Phone ; (0212) 292 0386
Website ; http://www.nevesalom.org/
We had limited time in Istanbul whilst on a cruise so we decided on a full day Istanbul Jewish Heritage Tours.. We covered all the major sights in one day and it was a very good introduction to the city. We enjoyed our day in this fascinating city and hope to return someday and spend more time in Istanbul.