The Museum of Turkish Jews (500. Yıl Vakfı Türk Musevileri Müzesi) was opened on 25 November 2001 by the Quincentennial Foundation, set up to commemorate 500 years since the Ottoman Empire welcomed the Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. First housed in the former Zülfaris Synagogue in Karaköy, it has occupied the Neve Shalom Synagogue complex on Büyük Hendek street since December 2015, a few steps from the Galata Tower. Over three levels, it traces 2,600 years of Jewish presence in Anatolia and Thrace: history, ethnography, religious objects, traditions and the life cycle. A museum visit also gives access to the Neve Shalom Synagogue, to which it is connected. Until 30 October 2026, the temporary exhibition space is showing "İstanbul Sinagogları" ("Istanbul Synagogues"), photographs of the city's synagogues taken during a workshop led by the photographer Alberto Modiano. Allow an hour to an hour and a half.
Highlights
The holy ark on the first floor
On the first floor, a marble holy ark (hekhal) opens onto Torah scrolls in their decorated cases, between two display cases of ritual objects. The museum shows its religious objects in a midrash, a study hall, which physically links the museum to the synagogue: during ceremonies, visitors can follow the service live from here.
The Neve Shalom Synagogue
Inaugurated on 25 March 1951 on the site of a former Jewish primary school, it was designed by two young Turkish Jewish architects, Elyo Ventura and Bernar Motola. Its prayer hall, which holds about 2,000 worshippers, is crowned by a dome pierced with blue stained-glass windows, from which a large chandelier hangs.
History and the life cycle
The route follows the chronology of Jewish presence in these lands, from the first communities of Anatolia to the arrival of the Sephardim in 1492, through to the contribution of Turkish Jews to the social and public life of the country. The ethnographic section presents the rites that mark a life, from circumcision (berit mila) to weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs, with interactive panels and touch screens.
The façade on Büyük Hendek street
Behind its black doors decorated with Stars of David, the synagogue keeps a low profile from the street. The bollards and the checks at the entrance are a reminder that it was targeted by attacks, on 6 September 1986 during a Shabbat service (22 dead), then in November 2003 by a car bomb.
Infos pratiques
Tips
You must bring your passport or an official identity document: entry is through a security check. A ticket costs 500 TL for foreign visitors (250 TL for students) and 250 TL for Turkish citizens (125 TL for students and teachers); admission is free for children aged 10 and under, guides, disabled visitors and one companion. The visit to the Neve Shalom Synagogue is made through the museum entrance. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing, which means 12:15pm on Fridays. Ask the staff before taking photos, especially in the synagogue. To explore further, see our article on churches and synagogues in Istanbul. Information as observed in October 2026.
How to get there
Bereketzade Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Caddesi No: 39, Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Metro M2, Şişhane station, then a few minutes' walk downhill towards the Galata Tower. From Karaköy, the Tünel funicular climbs to Tünel Square, a few minutes' walk away. Tram T1, Karaköy stop, then about ten minutes' walk uphill through the lanes of Galata. The Galata Tower is a few minutes from the museum.
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