Private Half Day Istanbul Jewish Heritage

Uncover the rich history of Jewish culture during this privately guided tour in Istanbul. Visit old Jewish synagogues such as the Etz Ahayim Synagogue and Ashkenazi Synagogue.

Duration: 4 Hours

Operating Days: Weekdays (subject to permission)

Not operating on week-ends and all religious holidays

Important Notice: 

Neon Tours needs all passport details 5 days prior to the tour departures, to obtain the required permissions. 

Exclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Entry to the Galata Tower 

Your pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel will be at 08:45am You will meet your guide at your hotel and drive to the old Jewish neighborhood of Galata and learn how the fourth crusade captured and demolished the area in the year 1203. Then, admire the elegance of the Galata Tower and learn about how this famous Istanbul monument and vantage point was constructed in the 14th century as part of colonial expansion into Constantinople by the Genoese.

Next you will visit the Ashkenaz Synagogue, currently the only active synagogue of it kind in Istanbul. Learn about the Austrian Jews who established it in 1900 for the Ashkenazi Jewish sect. Today the synagogue still celebrates bar mitzvahs, weddings, other religious ceremonies and is available to visitors and those who wish to pray. With your expert guide, you will continue through the Beyoğlu neighborhood to the Jewish Museum of Turkey formerly known as the Zülfaris Synagogue. You will be amazed about how this 19th century religious building was renovated and rebuilt as a museum in 2001 to honor the 500th anniversary of Sephardic Jews coming to the Ottoman Empire. Enter the museum and see how Jewish culture and tradition coalesced with Turkish history. Plus, learn how Muslims and Jews lived with one another and see a display that explains the successful Jewish quest from Spain to Turkey. 

Finally, you will see Etz Ahayim Synagogue also referred to as the Ortaköy Synagogue. Located in the Beşiktaş district about Ortaköy, gain insight into how various ethnicities and religions such as Greeks, Turks, Armenians, and Jews were all able to live together in harmony during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Even in present day this neighborhood is a perfect example of how colors and creeds can live in peace. In the afternoon, leave Ortaköy with new knowledge of Jewish history in Turkey and head back to your hotel where your tour concludes.