Mayor Synagogue, Istanbul

Mayor Synagogue is located in the Hasköy district of Beyoğlu in Istanbul. The synagogue was constructed during the Byzantine period, and was called “Mayor” since it was the largest in the area. The date of construction of the synagogue is disputed by scholars, with some scholars stating that it was constructed 300-400 years ago, which is a recent date compared to the Byzantine era. During the time that it was fully operational, it was an important worship site for the Jewish community in Istanbul.

The synagogue is located in the Golden Horn region of Istanbul. Today, it is used as a storage area, contains a billiard parlor and is also used as a work shop and hosts cultural events. It was also used to store the artifacts from the Neve Salom synagogue when it was attacked by terrorists. Today it still acts as a storage area.

The Turkish government is trying to preserve the synagogue as a strong heritage site for the Jewish community in Istanbul. The Romanian-born American artist Serge Spitzer has also created “Molecular Istanbul” at the Mayor Synagogue. The work was completed in three months and is a masterpiece connecting the past with the present.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Donnyhoca.

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Sight Name: Mayor Synagogue
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey (See walking tours in Istanbul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

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