Mayor Synagogue (Bursa)

Mayor Synagogue (or Synagogue Mejor) is a synagogue on Arap Şükrü Street in Bursa, Turkey. It was founded by Jews who settled in the Ottoman Empire after being expelled from Majorca. The present building was built in the 15th century[1] or the late 16th century.[2]

The synagogue was in regular use until 1975, when it was closed due to financial constraints.[3] Researchers who visited in 1996 found it abandoned and in danger of demolition.[4] However, according to the Turkish government, the building is still used for special events and for washing the dead.[5]

See also

References and notes

  1. ^ Bursa Çevre ve Orman İl Müdürlüğü (Bursa Environmental and Forestry Provincial Directorship). Çevre Durum Raporu 07 (State of the Environment Report 07). 2007. URL: http://www.bursacevreorman.gov.tr/pdf/2007cevdurap.pdf Page 145. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
  2. ^ Joel A. Zack & Devon Jarvis. Synagogue Mejor, Late 16th Century, Bursa. 1996. URL: http://digital.cjh.org/R/-?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=131903&current_base=GEN01 Retrieved 6 October 2009.
  3. ^ Bursa Çevre ve Orman İl Müdürlüğü, page 145.
  4. ^ Zack & Jarvis.
  5. ^ Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture & Tourism. Religious Monuments and Tombs. 2005. URL: http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD656515916B329A1F1 Retrieved 6 October 2009.