Jewish Heritage Tours
Judaism and the history of Asia Minor have been interwoven with each
other. According to Genesis, Mount Ararat where Noah's Ark had landed
is in Eastern Turkey. Abraham is believed to have been born in a
cave in Urfa, Southeastern Turkey, and it is Harran where he lived
around 18th century BC. Through the Roman Era Jews lived in Asia
Minor.
One of the oldest synagogues of Jewish history is in Sardis,
Western Turkey. Following the East Roman Empire, the Ottomans followed
a friendly policy with Jews, inviting them to come and settle on
Ottoman lands when they were expelled from Spain as the result
of the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. By the 16th century, there were
thirty thousand Jews living in Istanbul, nominating it as the most
important Jewish congregation of Europe.
During the Ottoman Empire,
Jewish doctors outnumbered both the Christian and the Moslem
ones in Istanbul. Today’s Turkey still has a considerable number
of Jewish citizens that are very productive in fields of art,
science and economy.
Please ask for further information on Jewish Heritage Tours.
JEWISH HERITAGE
| Day 1 |
ISTANBUL
Arrival in Istanbul. Transfer to the selected hotel. |
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| Day 2 |
ISTANBUL
Full day tour of Istanbul, including HAGIA SOPHIA, BLUE MOSQUE, and
GRAND BAZAAR. |
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| Day 3 |
IZMIR -
ISTANBUL - IZMIR (SMYRNA)
Morning flight to Izmir for two nights stay. Tour the Jewish neighbourhood
of DARIO MORENO STREET, and the BET ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE. After lunch, head on
for SARDIS. It was the capital of Ldyian Kingdom, where there are the remains
of 3rd century B.C. synagogue. |
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| Day 4 |
IZMIR -
EPHESUS - IZMIR
Full day excursion to EPHESUS. It was a very important port for
the Romans where there lived a considerable amount of Jews. See the CELSUS
LIBRARY, MARBLE ROAD, ROMAN THEATER. The works of art unearthed fro Ephesus
are on display in the local MUSEUM that you will visit. Return to Izmir
for the overnight. |
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| Day 5 |
IZMIR -
ISTANBUL
Morning flight to Izmir. Upon reaching Istanbul, visit the Jewish quarter
of BALAT. Visit the AHRIDA SYNAGOGUE, a 15th century structure named after
the town of Ohrid in Macedonia. After visiting this functioning synagogue,
continue to YANBOL. This shrine is only open for the Succoth festivities.
Interestingly enough both synagogues had been built prior to the Ottoman
conquest. Enjoy lunch at the Jewish Hospital of OR-AHAYIM. In the afternoon
visit the NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, famed for being the largest Jewish shrine
in Istanbul. Enjoy a walking tour around the Jewish quarter and the building
of Chief Rabbinate. |
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| DAY 6 |
ISTANBUL
- BURSA - ISTANBUL
Full day excursion to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire,
which is today's most growing modern city. Through the history it was famed
for its thermal springs on which, first the Romans and following them the
Ottomans, built baths. The town developed reputation for its silk farms
during the Ottoman period and became well known for the production of fine
silk fabric and velvet weaving. As early as 9th century there settled a
Jewish community in Bursa, of whom about 3500 were living during the First
World War. However, majority of the Jewish congregation migrated to Istanbul
and other parts of the world. Tour the GERUSH SYNAGOGUE, and the Jewish
quarter as well as the famous Ottoman buildings of GREEN MOSQUE and GREEN
TOMB. After a brief break at the famous SILK MARKET, head back to Istanbul. |
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| Day 7 |
ISTANBUL
Enjoy your morning with a private boat tour on BOSPHORUS. Disembark
at KUZGUNCUK, a beautiful neighbourhood indicating the religious
mosaic of Istanbul with shrines of three monotheistic religions
side by side. In the afternoon tour the ethnographical SADBERK HANIM
MUSEUM. |
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| Day 8 |
DEPARTURE
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