AHRIDA SYNAGOGUE

According to Ottoman archives in 1693, the synagogue existed before the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans. Ahrida Synagogue (Uhr, Toh, Balat) was named after the Ohri city situated in Macedon. The synagogue is located in the Balat neighborhood of Istanbul, and it is the biggest one among Balat’s synagogues. The Ahrida Synagogue was burnt during the Great Istanbul Fire in 1690 and was renovated in 1694. According to the inscription on the wall, the architect Hüsrev Tayla renovated the synagogue with a commission of 500. Years Foundation in 1992.  The lectern of the synagogue resembles a galley. According to a belief, this form reminds us of Noah’s Ark. And the other submission; the ark symbolizes the galleys which brought the Safarids from Spain to the Ottoman Empire.

The other important for Turkish history was organizing a religious ceremony and praising the Ottoman soldiers who were at war against the Russian Empire in Crimea.

You can book Istanbul Jewish Heritage Tour with Package Tour Turkey.