Jewish Heritage Tour in Galata
Explore the fascinating Jewish heritage of Istanbul with a guided 4-hour walking tour through the historic Galata neighborhood, home to one of the city’s oldest Jewish communities. Learn about the Sephardic Jews who arrived in the Ottoman Empire 500 years ago, the European Ashkenazi Jewish influence, and the synagogues, buildings, and landmarks that still stand today.
This tour offers an in-depth look at Jewish life in Istanbul, from its deep historical roots to its modern-day presence, with visits to significant synagogues, the Jewish Museum of Turkey, and other important sites.
Tour Highlights
🕍 Neve Shalom Synagogue – The “Oasis of Peace,” built in the 1940s with a stunning chandelier beneath its dome.
🏛 Museum of Turkish Jews – A collection of videos, sound recordings, objects, and photographs documenting Jewish history in Turkey.
🔹 Ashkenazi Synagogue – Established in 1909 with a grand chandelier from Vienna and Ottoman-influenced architecture.
🎨 Schneider Temple – Once a synagogue built by the Jewish Tailor Association, now transformed into an art gallery.
🏰 Kamondo Buildings & Jewish Apartments – Architectural remnants of Istanbul’s thriving Jewish community.
🏛 Italian Synagogue (exterior view) – A historic place of worship for Italian Jews in Istanbul.
Tour Itinerary
🏛 Museum of Turkish Jews (Inside Neve Shalom Synagogue)
Begin your journey at the Museum of Turkish Jews, founded in 2001 to mark 500 years of Sephardic Jewish life in the Ottoman Empire. Inside, explore multimedia exhibits, historical artifacts, and photographs that document Jewish culture, migration, and daily life in Turkey.
📌 Important: Visitors must present a photo ID to enter.
🕍 Neve Shalom Synagogue
One of the most important Sephardic synagogues in Istanbul, Neve Shalom was built in the 1940s when Galata’s Jewish population was at its peak. Designed with a breathtaking dome and a massive glass chandelier, it has remained a cornerstone of the community despite past challenges.
🕍 Ashkenazi Synagogue
Founded in 1909 by Ashkenazi Jews from Austria, this synagogue features a Viennese chandelier and design elements borrowed from Ottoman architecture. It remains the only active Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul today.
🎨 Schneider Temple (Now an Art Gallery)
Built in 1894 by the Jewish Tailor Association, this former synagogue (named after the Yiddish word for “tailor”) now serves as an art gallery with rotating exhibitions.
🏛 Additional Sites You Will See (Exterior Views):
✔ Italian Synagogue – One of the most historically significant Jewish places of worship in Istanbul.
✔ Jewish Apartments – Residences that once housed thriving Jewish families.
✔ Kamondo Buildings – Elegant architectural landmarks built by the influential Kamondo family, known for their contributions to banking and education in the Ottoman Empire.
Why Take This Tour?
✔ Discover the history of Jewish migration to Istanbul and its cultural impact.
✔ Visit significant synagogues, a Jewish museum, and historic buildings.
✔ Gain insights into both Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish traditions.
✔ Experience the unique architecture and landmarks of the Galata neighborhood.
Important Notes
📌 This tour MUST be booked at least 4 days in advance due to security and entry requirements.
📌 A copy of each participant’s passport must be submitted in advance for entry permissions.
📌 The tour may not operate during Jewish and Muslim holidays.
📌 Hotel pickups are available from Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim. Pickups from other areas may incur an extra charge—please check with our team.
Join this insightful and immersive tour to uncover the deep-rooted Jewish history of Istanbul and explore a community that has flourished for over 500 years.
