About this experience
Istanbul is a place where religions of different nations and cultures peacefully coexist. Join me on a walk through the colorful districts of Galata and Karakoy to discover this! You will visit a synagogue, an English church, and an Arab mosque. Stroll along the waterfront and observe the crafty cats. I will decode Istanbul's 'cultural mosaic' and help you see it from a new perspective.
What to Expect
Jewish Traces in Istanbul
We will focus on the Jewish history of Istanbul. You will learn about the Jewish communities that lived in Turkey from Byzantine times. Who are the Romaniotes, Ashkenazim, and Sephardim, how they influenced the formation of the Ottoman Empire and the modern country. Additionally, we'll visit the Jewish Museum and the Neve Shalom Synagogue, view the Austrian synagogue and the Tailors' Synagogue from the outside. We will also find an ancient Passover bakery.
Mosques, Christian Churches, and More
I will talk about the Levantines and the connection of Anglicanism with the Crimean War. I will show you the most unusual mosque in terms of architecture in the city and share stories about the Turkish Orthodox Church—yes, it exists! Additionally, we will visit the Roman Catholic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, see the famous Galata Tower, and the splendid building of the Ottoman Bank. We will also meet the charming Istanbul cats.
Organizational Details
- Entrance tickets to the Jewish Museum and the Neve Shalom Synagogue are paid separately—80 liras per person
- A valid ID is required to visit the synagogue
