Ahrida Synagogue of Istanbul

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Entrance to the Ahrida Synagogue
Entrance to the Ahrida Synagogue

Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in Balat, the Jewish quarter, it was built by Jews from the city of Ohrid, Ottoman Empire (present-day the Republic of Macedonia), who immigrated to Turkey more than 550 years ago. The building, being one of the two ancient synagogues in Golden Horn, was renovated in 1992 by the Quincentennial Foundation, in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Sephardic Jews' arrival to Ottoman Empire. Ahrida Synagogue is known foremost by its boat-shaped tevah (reading platform).[1] Ahrida Synagogue is also the only synagogue in Istanbul,at which Sabbatai Zevi, founder of the Jewish Sabbatean movement, prayed.[2]

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[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ Chief Rabbinate of Turkey (Türkiye Hahambaşılığı). Retrieved on 22 Apr 2007.
  2. ^ Istanbul-Sacred Places-Ahrida Synagogue (Turkish). Retrieved on 22 Apr 2007.


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