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Jewish Turkey

Jewish city story of Turkey

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אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

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Tours of Turkey

Tours

Turkey Jewish Heritage Tour (Izmir and Sardes)

This Jewish Heritage Tour combines Sardes' ancient site and Izmir's capital. You will be/can be met at the Izmir airport or even at your Hotel in Izmir. Then drive to the Karatas area in Izmir. Beth Israel Synagogue Visit Beth Israel Synagogue, The construction of the Bet Israel Synagogue started on 15 March 1905 upon the decree of Sultan Abdulhamid II, and it was opened to worship in 1907. Bet Israel is the largest, most magnificent, and ceremonial synagogue in Izmir. However, the temple differs from the traditional Izmir style with its building style and seating arrangement. It was not built with a central plan but has been a double practice of Teva from the very beginning. Due to the location of the building plot, the Ehal (the closet where the Torah rolls are stored) is placed on the south wall instead of the east wall. Dario Moreno Street: It is located on Dario Moreno Street. There are old Greek houses lined up left and right in this beautiful street, named after the famous artist Dario Moreno from Izmir and was formerly called Elevator Street. There is also the house on the street where Dario Moreno lived for a while. These houses, each of which has been transformed into small and cute cafes and art workshops today, add a different spirit to the street. The Historical Elevator (Asansor) The Historical Elevator is the best structure to catch the unique view of Izmir Bay with its promenade at the top. The elevator was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi to overcome the topographical barrier between hill neighborhoods above sea level. Then drive to Konak Square and visit the clock tower; Konak Square - The Clock Tower-Kemeralti Bazaar Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir, is the Ottoman Sultan II. It was built in 1901 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Abdulhamid's accession to the throne. Kemeralti Bazaar is called a well-established commercial area. This commercial square, which was started from the Hisar Mosque built in Izmir in 1592, has grown more and more. Since the 19th century, inns and covered bazaars have been located in the Kemeralti Bazaar, which has been the liveliest trade point in İzmir. However, the shops here were referred to as small businesses that local people were interested in. Options such as blacksmith, coal maker, nail maker, spice and straw bazaar were located in Kemeralti Bazaar in the past. Commercial shops in different areas were also found at various points. Havra Street (Synagogues Streets): Havra Street, named after the many synagogues in its vicinity, was a lively shopping center where Kosher (Halal) food was produced and sold. According to their beliefs, the Jews of Izmir used to obtain a significant part of their food needs, such as meat, fish, chicken, yogurt, cheese, and eggs from Havra Street. As with other foods, wine production was produced in and around this street in accordance with Kosher rules. You will also have the opportunity to taste the dishes in the Sephardic cosine. After lunch, drive to Sardes. Sardes Ancient Ruin: The ruins of Sardis are incredible, surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop. A must for archeology buffs, photographers, people interested in Judaic history (magnificent ancient synagogue), and bible study groups (one of the seven churches of the Revelation). Do some research before visiting. Today's ruins are pretty impressive, with the best-preserved ancient synagogue and gymnasium being the highlights for many. A sign points south to the Temple of Artemis, just over 1km away. This is where money was first used. Today only a few columns of the once-magnificent but never-completed building still stand. Nevertheless, the temple's plan is visible and very impressive. Nearby is an early Christian church dating from the 4th century AD. After the tour drive back to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir.

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Caffe Eden

Caffe Eden, which is opened in the center of Ortaköy, is at the service of those who want to eat kosher meat, burgers, doner kebabs, lahmacun and pita bread. All meat served in the new kosher cafe / restaurant are produced in specially supervised facilities. The animals, which are slaughtered by the supervised martyrs in accordance with the martyr's rules, are delivered to the restaurant in accordance with the hygiene conditions after all the necessary controls are carried out. Caffe Eden's kitchen and food are constantly supervised by the observer in the restaurant. Caffe Eden has been adding new products to its menu every week since the day it opened. The disruptions seen in the opening and trial production processes are quickly eliminated and going further every day. Classic doner flip, meatballs, wet hamburger, New York hamburger, meat pita and crispy lahmacun are among the most sought after varieties by customers. Every Wednesday, special chicken doner kebab day is offered to those who prefer chicken. Caffe Eden, where specialties such as liver and stuffed meatballs will be offered on special occasions, offers its restaurant customers, which are freshly prepared every day, and are hosted in a warm atmosphere as if guests come to their homes. Caffe Eden also provides motor service to Bebek, Gayrettepe, Beşiktaş, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme, Ulus, Etiler, considering match days and meetings, when it is not desired to leave the house, when guests are hosted at home. In addition to these varieties, which are offered fresh daily, Denet market products can also be purchased from the restaurant. When a special order is placed, sluder liver, stony, wing, tongue orders that cannot be found everywhere can also be prepared and sent to the houses. A different feature of Caffe Eden is that between 15.00- 17.30 except Sunday, a 20 percent discount is applied to the products in the menu.

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

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קראו עוד בלוגים וספרים אלקטרוניים READ MORE BLOGS AND EBOOKS

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Summary
The Silk Road was one of the most important trade routes in human history, connecting East and West and facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. However, what is often overlooked is the important role played by Jewish merchants in this network of trade and commerce. WJT is proud to have produced the Jewish Silk Road portal with our partners in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, India, and Turkey, with the aim of highlighting the Jewish story along in the countries along this famous route. The project generated a great deal of interest in the Israeli Press and this pressbook shines a light on that success, where there were over 40 articles in print in addition to radio and television interviews. The Haaretz newspaper also featured the project on the cover of their magazine.
World Jewish Travel Official June 24, 2023

An Inside Look at the Rich Heritage and Traditions of Jews in Istanbul, Turkey

An Inside Look at the Rich Heritage and Traditions of Jews in Istanbul Introduction to Jewish Istanbul The City of Istanbul has been home to a vibrant Jewish community for centuries. Jews have lived in the region since ancient times and their influence on the culture and history of this diverse city is undeniable. From its iconic synagogues to its famous Jewish figures, there is much to explore when it comes to Jewish life in Istanbul. This article will provide an inside look at the heritage, traditions, and places that make up this unique part of Istanbul's identity. We'll discuss early life for Jews in Istanbul, modern day Jewish culture within the city, as well as some notable locations and people who are connected with Jewish history throughout the ages. So let us take you on a journey through one of Europe's oldest cities, a city rich in Jewish history: Istanbul!

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Summary
The historical Silk Road, stretching from Italy to China, has seen renewed interest in recent years. A new project aims to trace Jewish culture and history along the famous trade network, from Venice to Izmir and on to Uzbekistan, India and China.
World Jewish Travel Official July 31, 2022

The Jewish Story of Izmir, Turkey

Evidence of Jewish life in Izmir dates back to Hellenistic and Roman times. Regional archeological findings point to a thriving Jewish community in this coastal city, then known as Smyrna. While this Romaniot community seems to have enjoyed considerable importance in antiquity, its presence started declining in the late Byzantine period, as Jews got settled in surrounding towns, rather than Izmir itself.  It appears that in the year 1424, when the Ottomans conquered the, by then, small and relatively unimportant town, Izmir no longer had an organized Jewish community.

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Hotels in Turkey

Hotels

Hotel Turkish House

The building was made from wood at the end of 18th century and it is situated at Sultanahmet quarter, which is at the core of the old Istanbul, the capital city of three great civilizations. The Sultanahmet Mosque and it’s social complex, the Sultanahmet square, where the building is situated, are surrounded by the Great Palace constructed during the Byzantine Empire era. The garden wall of the Great Palace is surviving today; you can take your breakfast at the shadow of the Great Palace wall at the Hotel Turkish House Sultanahmet; during the reconstruction of the hotel, structure remnants dating from the late Byzantine early Ottoman era were found; they were taken under protection as first degree archeological remnants and offered to the appreciation of hotel guests, being visible under a glass corridor. The historical building was reconstructed in traditional wood carcass system and architectural style, as in the original structure. The traditional “lath and plaster” technique is made through hammering wood lath on wood carcass with lime mortar. Wall and floor panels made with İznik tiles, which is a traditional Turkish art, bordures as well as ceramics are used in the building. Again wall motifs called “hand-drawn”, an Ottoman Turkish hand craft are drawn by artists. Stone wall technique is performed in the garden with original “Khorasan Coating”, “the marble of Marmara” is used in the bathrooms. The traditional wooden Turkish house built at Sultanahmet, Istanbul is an historical cultural asset, which should be preserved; the Hotel shall provide accommodation for its guests as a boutique hotel under the name of Hotel Turkish House Sultanahmet.

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🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

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🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. 

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

...

39 2
Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

 Link is in our bio

#VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel  #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem's underground. Unveil the city's secrets from home. 🌌

Find link in our bio

#JerusalemUnderground #CitySecrets #ExploreHistory #JewishTravel #Israel #Travel #WesternWall

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