Trace İzmir’s centuries-old Jewish heritage on a guided visit to five historic synagogues, each reflecting the city’s Sephardic traditions, architecture, and community life. Beginning in the Kemeraltı district, visit Bikur Holim, Etz Hayim, Sinyora, and Shalom Synagogues while learning how İzmir’s Jewish community developed from the 16th century onward.
Hear the stories behind sacred objects, decorative details, restorations, and the fires that shaped these places of worship. Continue by tram toward Karataş, with an opportunity to taste boyoz, a local pastry closely associated with İzmir’s Sephardic culture.
The tour concludes at Beth Israel, the city’s largest synagogue, admired for its elaborate interior and fine wooden craftsmanship. As these are active religious sites, advance permission is required, and passport details may be requested by the İzmir Jewish Community before the visit.
Hear the stories behind sacred objects, decorative details, restorations, and the fires that shaped these places of worship. Continue by tram toward Karataş, with an opportunity to taste boyoz, a local pastry closely associated with İzmir’s Sephardic culture.
The tour concludes at Beth Israel, the city’s largest synagogue, admired for its elaborate interior and fine wooden craftsmanship. As these are active religious sites, advance permission is required, and passport details may be requested by the İzmir Jewish Community before the visit.
- We start our tour from Bikur Holim Synagogue. There are lots of new parochets that can be seen in this Synagogue. Also, Temple Menorah (seven-branched candelabrum) and Hanukkah Menorah (nine-branched candelabrum) are located there especially from the 18th of November to the 26th of November along the Hanukkah.
- As a meaning, it's a Life of a Tree. There are some Byzantine Empire orders can be seen, because dates back to that period. Hanukkah Menorah is located here. Because of the fire, this synagogue was also damaged but it was "saved" just before the roof fall down. Now it's restarted, some of the "memories" from the fire can be seen.
- The name of this synagogue is given by a Dutch Jewish woman. According to the stories, the woman called Donna Gracia or La Signora was the foundation of this synagogue. Like all other synagogues, was damaged by fire several times in the 16th and 17th centuries. Thanks to the Moiz Bengiat Yerushalmi was rebuilt again.
- The other name is El Kal de la Tromba Synagogue. Joseph Escaba, religious leader of the Jewish Community in Izmir, made the first organization in here. In 1841, here was the only church that wasn't damaged by the fire, there is a signboard at the entrance your guide will mention it.
- After that, we use TRAM to go to the next synagogue. While we're walking to the station, you can take your "Boyoz" which is a unique food belonging to the Sephardic Jewish people.
- Beth Israel Synagogue: Bet Israel is the biggest synagogue in Izmir. Synagogue was opened to visitors in 1907 but all of those decorations were finished in around 1950s. According to the stories wooden carvings were made by Italian artists. Now, that sanctuary is used for special events.
Included
- Entry fees
- Professional guide English or Spanish
- Public Transportation Fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Personal Expenses
- Tips
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
