whereist istanbul

Balat’s Ahrida Synagogue, founded in the 15th century before the Ottoman conquest, is Istanbul’s oldest Synogogue. Although it was founded by Macedonians from the town of Ohrid (of which ‘Ahrida’ is a corruption), its congregation was later formed from the Sephardic community that was booted out of Spain during the inquisitions. The wooden dome, restored in 17th-century baroque style, remains exquisitely beautiful. The place is still in use by the Sephardic community, many of whom speak the medieval Spanish dialect Ladino.
Entrance is only by appointment with the Chief Rabbinate