Jewish district

 

Immerse yourself in the fascinating Jewish quarter of Istanbul with this fabulous guided tour of all the key historical sites. Highlights of the tour include visits to synagogues and the Jewish Museum. Istanbul has had a vibrant Jewish community for more than 1,000 years. After the Turkish conquest of the city, Sultan Mehmet II deliberately fostered immigration to enable the city to be repopulated, and over half a million Jews who had been persecuted in Spain and Portugal Immerse yourself in the fascinating Jewish quarter of Istanbul with this fabulous guided tour of all the key historical sites. Highlights of the tour include visits to synagogues and the Jewish Museum. Istanbul has had a vibrant Jewish community for more than 1,000 years. After the Turkish conquest of the city, Sultan Mehmet II deliberately fostered immigration to enable the city to be repopulated, and over half a million Jews who had been persecuted in Spain and Portugal were encouraged to establish themselves within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire. In Istanbul, the new immigrants settled mostly near Galata – a quarter on the northern bank of the Golden Horn – where a Jewish community had existed since the early days of the Ottoman era. This tour will enable you to discover Galata at first hand by taking you through its colourful and lively streets, steeped in Jewish history and culture. During the walk you will visit synagogues, the Jewish Museum, Jewish apartments and hear about the amazing story of Abraham Kamondo and other aspects of Jewish heritage. Meeting/pick-up point: Hotel lobby. Start/opening time:At 8-8.30am. End/closing time: At 12-12:30pm. Languages: English. Others: To be able to get permission for entrance to synagogues you need to make reservation four days prior to departure.