Jewish heritage of Istanbul – full-day tour

Discover how the Sephardic Jews found a new home in Istanbul after 1492: living synagogues in Galata, colourful Balat with its cobbled lanes and the 15th-century Ahrida Synagogue – with hotel pick-up and no queuing.

Highlights

• Historic Galata: Ashkenazi Synagogue (1900) or Neve Shalom Synagogue (1930)
• Balat: oldest Jewish quarter with narrow lanes and colourful houses
• Ahrida Synagogue: architectural jewel of the 15th century
• 500 years of Sephardic heritage since the expulsion from Spain in 1492
• Jewish Museum of Turkey on request
• Your own state-licensed guide, no strangers

Full description

For more than 500 years the Jewish community has shaped Istanbul. After the expulsion from Spain in 1492 the Ottoman Empire took in the Sephardim – their language, cuisine and synagogues are part of the city to this day.

In Galata we visit the Ashkenazi or the Neve Shalom Synagogue and talk about Jewish life today. Then on to Balat, the oldest Jewish quarter, and the Ahrida Synagogue with its boat-shaped bimah. Synagogue opening hours vary; I register visits in advance.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• Historic Galata
  Ashkenazi Synagogue (1900) or Neve Shalom Synagogue (1930) – insights into modern Jewish life.
• Balat
  Istanbul's oldest Jewish quarter, narrow cobbled lanes and brightly painted houses.
• Ahrida Synagogue
  15th-century jewel with Byzantine craftsmanship.
• Jewish Museum of Turkey
  500 years of history, ritual and everyday objects – on request.
• … and more
  Further synagogues and places depending on interest and current opening.

Included

• 7 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Advance registration of synagogue visits
• Pick-up from and return to your hotel (on foot, by tram and ferry; vehicle optional)

Not included

• Entrance fees and donations
• Lunch and drinks
• Vehicle and transfers, optional
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

Choose your meeting point in the form: your hotel lobby, the Galataport cruise terminal or Sultanahmet at the fountain between Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Please arrive five minutes early; if you are late I wait up to 20 minutes.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Comfortable shoes – Lots of cobblestones in the old town, uphill and downhill.
• ID – Please bring your passport or ID card for synagogue visits; I handle the registration.
• Clothing – Head covering for men in synagogues (provided), shoulders and knees covered in mosques.