Synagogue Interior

Torahs in the Istanbul Ashkenazi Synagogue

The Ashkenazi Synagogue is an Ashkenazi synagogue located near the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the only currently active Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul open to visits and prayers. The synagogue was founded by Jews of Austrian origin in 1900.^[1] It is also the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim, as the population of Ashkenazi Jews accounts for 4 percent of total Jewish population of Turkey.^[2] Visits to the synagogue can be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.

The synagogue holds weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and other religious ceremonies in the Ashkenazi tradition.

Rabbi Dr. David Marcus, who also established the Jewish school Bene Berit, served as Rabbi and spiritual leader until his death in 1938.

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik has served as the rabbi of the Ashkenazi Synagogue since 2003.

[edit] See also

• History of the Jews in Turkey
• List of synagogues in Turkey

[edit] References and notes

1. ^ "Chief Rabbinate of Turkey (Türkiye Hahambaşılığı)". http://www.musevicemaati.com/index.php?contentId=25. Retrieved 22 April 2007. 
2. ^ "Assembly of Turkish American Associations - History of Jews in Turkey". http://www.ataa.org/ataa/ref/jewish/jew-history.html. Retrieved 22 April 2007. 

[edit] External links

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