Asia · Jewish travel

Turkey

Istanbul has the strongest living infrastructure.

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Places to explore

Istanbul — Formerly Constantinople and capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is famous for the Bosphorus, Sultanahmet, palace museums, bazaars, ferries, and neighborhoods that change character from one shore to the other.

Balat and Ahrida Synagogue — Balat was one of Ottoman Istanbul’s major Jewish neighborhoods and is known for steep streets, colorful houses, old religious buildings, and Ahrida Synagogue, which requires arranged access.

Edirne Great Synagogue — Edirne was the second Ottoman capital and is known for the Selimiye Mosque, old commercial streets, and the restored Great Synagogue, one of Europe’s largest synagogue buildings.

Izmir — A major Aegean port with a long Sephardic history, Izmir is best explored through the Kemeraltı market, waterfront, historic elevator, synagogues, and nearby coastal towns.

Sardis Synagogue — Ancient Sardis preserves a large Roman-period synagogue, marble streets, baths, and the remains of a city that was once the capital of Lydia.

Neve Shalom Synagogue and Jewish Museum — Neve Shalom is an active Istanbul synagogue; the adjoining 500th Year Foundation Museum explains Sephardic and Turkish Jewish history.

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