Fatih · Turkey

Ahrida Synagogue

Ahrida Sinagogu

Religiousgoogle verified

easy

7/10

spiritual

The oldest synagogue in Istanbul, built before the Ottoman Conquest by Jews from Ohrid (now in North Macedonia). In the old Balat quarter, where Sephardic Jews settled after fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, you'll need to book 24 hours ahead and bring your passport — but the ornate interior, shaped like Noah's Ark, makes the effort worthwhile. From Ahrida it is an easy 25-minute walk (about 1.4 km) uphill through Balat's painted streets to the Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) — combine the two for a perfect Golden Horn heritage walk.

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