The Story of Turkish Jews
who were deported from Spain in 1492
living more than 500 years in peace &
harmonyStart
after breakfast for a full day tour in
the centuries-old Jewish neighborhood
Galata, with its famous
tower built by the Genoese. Visit to
Neve Shalom Synagogue
or Ashkenaz Synagogue (according
to availability). Drive to Balat
along the Golden Horn,
residential area of the Ottoman Jews
where the “Star of David”
still appears on the facades of some
buildings. Visit to Ahrida
Synagogue, built in the 15th
century and the Jewish Hospital
(Or-Ahayim) from outside.
Visit to the
Zulfaris Jewish Museum of the
Quincentennial Foundation, and the “Oldies
House” at Hasköy. The
Jewish Cemetery where the
martyrs of Neve Shalom are buried. Stop
at Ortaköy, first
disembark point of the Sephardic Jews
who were expelled from Spain by the
religious disturbance of the Spanish
King and Queen, desperate on the ships
in the middle of the sea, not being
accepted by any European country, except
the Ottoman Sultan Bayezit Khan II., who
welcommed them offering a safe and
peaceful life. Last visit to
Etz-Ahayim Synagogue.
