Jewish Heritage

Half Day Tour / Morning 4 Hours

Except Friday, Saturday & Sunday / Minimum 4 people

The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews
The Quincentennial Foundation was established in 1989 by a group of 113 Turkish citizens, Jews and Muslims. Established and headquartered in Istanbul, the Quincentennial Foundation planned a three-year cultural and academic programme (between 1990 and 1992) both in Turkey and abroad, mainly in the USA, Canada and Mexico on the American continent; France, the United Kingdom and various countries in Europe. The Quincentennial Foundation embarked on a very ambitious programme, in keeping with the magnitude of the occasion. What Turkish Jews lacked in numbers, they made up for in enthusiasm and commitment. They brought Turkish Jewry to a wider audience.

Ashkenaz Synagogue
The Ashkenaz Synagogue is an Ashkenazi synagogue located near the Galata Tower in Istanbul.

It is currently the only active Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul. The synagogue was founded in 1900 by Jews of Autrian origin. It is also the last remaining of three synagogues built by Ashkenazim. It's a magnificent old building, but for security reasons you can't go inside without permission from Turkey's Grand Rabbinate, a few blocks away in Beyoglu, near Tunel Square.

Neve Shalom
Neve Shalom, towards the end of the 1930s. The Jewish population of the Pera and Galata districts grew to such an extent that a new synagogue became a necessity.

The Etz Ahayim Synagogue
The Etz Ahayim Synagogue, also known as the Ortakoy Synagogue, is a synagogue located in Ortakoy, Istanbul, on the coast just off the right side of the Bosphorus Bridge. The synagogue was completely destroyed by fire in 1941 and only the marble Aron Kodesh remained. The synagogue was later rebuilt.

Please note that you will need to present your passport two days prior to your booking as permission is required to enter the synagogues.

Please contact the Concierge for further details and services.