The Jewish Museum of Turkey

It aims to promote the story of 700 years of amity between Turks and Jews, beginning with the Ottoman conquest of Bursa (1326), to show how through the past seven centuries the two cultures influenced each other, and to display the humanitarian spirit of the Turkish nation. The Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret and disseminate knowledge about the cultural heritage of the Turkish Jews.

There is evidence that this synagogue existed in 1671. However, the current building was erected over its original foundations presumably in the early 19th Century. The Zulfaris Synagogue remained in service until Jews living in the area moved to other neighborhoods, around 1985. After that it was assigned to the Quincentennial Foundation, which restored the building as a Museum without altering its appearance as a synagogue.

The Museum was made possible by the financial backing of the Kamhi Family and the valuable contributions of Mr Jak Kamhi (President of the Foundation) and the vision and dedication of Mr Naim Güleryüz.

The exhibition in the Main Hall explores, through artifacts, documents and photos, the cultural heritage of Turkish Jews, their common life and interaction with the Muslim majority, and their contribution to the social, intellectual and political life of the country.  In the Azara (former women’s gallery) photos are displayed and case histories depicted. On the ground floor, arranged as an Ethnographic Section, inheritance becomes cultural heritage. Through scenes such as birth and circumcision, trousseau and wedding, this section summarizes the customs of Turkish Jews and explores the influence of the broader society.

The display concept is intended to be dynamic; case histories change from time to time.
The Museum is open from Monday to Thursday (10:00 to 16:00), Friday and Sunday (10:00 to 14:00), but is closed on Saturdays and High Holidays.

Address :  Karaköy Meydani (Square), Percemli Sokak Karaköy                        
Phones  :  (0212) 292 6333 and 2926334                                                                     
Fax       :  (0212) 244 4474
E-mail   :  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.