Jewish Heritage of Turkey

Updated on 2014-03-03

Daily Program

Day 01: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

Today, you will arrive in one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities of the world’s history: Constantinople! Upon meeting your private guide welcoming you at the arrival hall of the international terminal of Istanbul Ataturk Airport with a sign bearing your last name, you will proceed to your luxury minivan for the private transfer to your hotel during which you can catch the first glimpses of this fascinating city where the continents meet each other! Your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02: ISTANBUL

You will meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning to begin your expedition in Istanbul with a cup of Turkish coffee in Ortakoy, a lovely neighborhood on the shores of the Bosphorus where the Sephardic Jews docked to set foot on the Ottoman lands escaping from the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. It is heart warming to witness the shrines of Islam, Christianity and Judaism standing next to each other still to serve their current day congregations. You will enjoy a short ride along the strait to get in touch with the vibrant flow of life in one of the busiest spots in Istanbul, Taksim Square, where you will set out on your walking tour, giving you the chance to observe closely the social diversity of the city. While you move through Istiklal Avenue, you will enjoy the view of the 18-19^th century buildings that currently serve a variety of purposes such as hosting art galleries, restaurants or diplomatic centers and that reflect cultural profundity and richness of Istanbul. You may explore the local bazaars hidden by the side streets on the boulevard to catch the tradesman amongst the fast pace of their daily activities. Constantinople was a bustling city in 1800’s that was connected to the major cities of Europe by the famous rail road transporting nobles, merchants, writers, and adventurers, all with a single interest in common; the desire to explore the Life of the Orient. During your tour of the district of Beyoglu (Pera), you will perceive the dominating European feel of Istanbul as the once terminating point of Orient Express. The non-Muslim community in Pera formed a more occidental style of life that was a reflection of what was lived in London, Paris and Venice at the time. Passage Des Fleurs and Passage d’Europe stand out among the major venues where one can distinguish the joy and nostalgia expressed by the authentic ambience of then. You may wish to continue your discovery of the area by hopping on the tram that is the only form of transportation that runs through the boulevard. A short stroll after getting off at the last stop of the tram will bring you to Galata, the neighborhood that hosted non-Muslim European communities migrating to Istanbul during 18^th and 19^th centuries to profit from the capitulations granted by the Ottoman Sultanate. You will have the opportunity to watch the skyline of Istanbul from the very peak of 13^th century Galata Tower that was built by the Genoese merchants to look out for their ships arriving with their loads of goods brought for the markets of this cosmopolitan city. From a dungeon to a fire tower, Galata Tower served various purposes through the history and today it is indisputably the best view point to capture the panoramic view of the Old City of Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03: ISTANBUL

After the arrival of the Ottoman Turks in 1453, Istanbul became the Capital of the Ottoman Empire. Comprehending the synergy that is generated by the coexistence of diverse cultures, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror secured a social ambience of freedom for ethnic groups with different faiths, which accelerated the economic and social improvement of Istanbul. Today, you will bear testimony to the harmony of various cultures and faiths that Istanbul has been a nurturing home to for many centuries. In 1492, Sultan Beyazit invited the Sephardic Jews that were exiled from Spain by the decision of Court of Inquisition, to come and live in Istanbul as equal citizens. This historic event reinforced the on-going cohesion of the Ottoman society composed of numerous backgrounds, an aspect that still is treasured and celebrated in modern day Turkey. Your first stop on another day of familiarization with the Jewish Heritage of Old Constantinople is the biggest of the Jewish Synagogues of Istanbul, Neve Shalom, where the Jewish society of Istanbul holds their important gatherings. You will then head on to Balat, the oldest Jewish neighborhood of Istanbul. One can see a few synagogues in this fascinating location where Muslims and Jewish community lived in harmony to constitute the Ottoman society. You will then visit the Ahrida Synagogue and meet Lady Caroline to hear interesting stories about the local community. Ahrida is the oldest Synagogue of Istanbul at an age of 500 years. Built by the early Balkanian Jewish community that migrated to Istanbul, the temple is famed for its bema that is supposed to resemble the Ark of Noah. You will note that the balconies of some of the apartment buildings are ornamented with Star of David which manifests the pride that Istanbul Jewish citizens took under the Ottoman rule and verifies how free the Jews were during the era. You will carry on to Zulfaris Synagogue, now a Jewish museum displaying the history and culture of the Sephardic Jews that migrated to the Ottoman Empire. Today will give you a chance to understand how the two cultures were influenced by each other throughout the years. Later in the day, you will find yourself wandering through one of the earliest shopping malls ever built in history, Grand Bazaar where you will also get the opportunity to visit the little kiosk of Nick Merdenyan for an introduction to one unique form of art and artist that you cannot find anywhere else not only in Istanbul but also in the world. Nick Merdenyan, a native Armenian of Istanbul, practices his unique art at his tiny little studio, painting patterns and inscriptions that focus on themes that relate to either Judaism or Christianity on fossilized leaves he personally collects from Florida. An artist honored by Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, Nick has brought his own interpretation to the art of calligraphy by choosing an out-of the-ordinary material to apply his art. Meet Nick at his studio for a delightful exposition of his unique works. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 04: ISTANBUL – IZMIR

Today you will take the short domestic flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival in Izmir, the hometown of Homer and the third biggest city of Turkey having a rich historical background dating back to 3000 BC, you will enjoy the picturesque scenery of the fertile fields and fabulous vineyards of the Aegean Region during your ride to the ancient city of Sardis. Then you will see the Oldest Synagogue surviving in Asia Minor with its history dating back to the 2^nd century AD as well as the Temple of Artemis of the 4^th century BC. When you return to Izmir, the center of trade as a port town and home to an influential size of Jewish population during Roman days, you will visit the biggest synagogue of Izmir: Beth Israel Synagogue. Located in the Karatas District of the city, the synagogue was built by the order of Ottoman sultan Abdulhamit II in 1905. Afterwards, you will carry on to the Konak Square where the heart of the city beats and the historical Konak Clock Tower stands. Built by the Jewish architect Monsieur Pere, the beautiful marble clock tower is the symbol of Izmir. Later in the afternoon, you may enjoy a coffee break at Gusto, the well-famed chocolate boutique where you may taste the hand-made delicious chocolates produced by Maryo Gabbai and his talented team. You will also have chance to blend with the local Jewish community of Izmir while enjoying your coffee and the marvelous chocolates and sweets. Gusto’s almond-paste, Turkish delight and chestnut-paste are the strongly recommended tastes. You will continue to Asansor for a panoramic view, the historical elevator building located on Mithatpasa Street where once the famous composer of Izmir, Dario Moreno lived. Before the construction of the elevator, locals used to climb a stairway consisting of 155 steps in order to reach their residences located on top of the hill. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 05 - IZMIR - ISTANBUL DEPARTURE

Today, you will be transferred to the Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul and you will connect your international flight back to home.

 

Back To Home