Turkey Jewish Heritage Tour

05:00 Early morning transfer to Istanbul airport
07:00 Direct Flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
08:10 Arrive at Izmir Airport, meet your guide, and drive to Izmir Jewish district.
09:00 Arrive at Dario Moreno Street and Visit Beth Israel Synagogue.

Visit the Jewish Districts in Izmir:

We will drive to Karatas, our first stop will be Dario Moreno Street and Asansor (Elevator):

One of the most famous streets of İzmir, Dario Moreno Street, is named after Dario Moreno, who is known to have fallen in love with İzmir. The real name of Dario Moreno, known to be born in 1921, is David Arugete. David Arugete, a Turk of Jewish descent, is known as a pianist, painter, and theater actor. Known as the most beautiful street in the city, Dario Moreno Street has a magnificent view of Izmir.

Like medicine for those looking for a "resting area" with its cute cafes, Dario Moreno Street can also offer various coffee options. It is possible to see Greek houses on Dario Moreno Street, which smells like nostalgia. Moreno Street, a beautiful street for those interested in historical buildings, can enchant people with its fragrant flowers.

Then we walk to Asonsor (Elevator): The Historical Elevator is the best structure to catch the unique view of Izmir Bay with its promenade at the top. The elevator was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi to overcome the topographical barrier between hill neighborhoods above sea level. The last stop on Asansor Street will ve Beth Israel Synagogue.

It was opened to worship in 1907. Bet Israel is Izmir's largest, most magnificent ceremonial synagogue. However, the temple differs from the traditional İzmir style with its building style and seating arrangement. It was not built with a central plan but has been a double practice of Teva from the very beginning.

Due to the location of the building plot, the Ehal is placed on the south wall instead of the east wall. It has large arched windows on all its borders, and above each is the 6-pointed Star of David. The lower floor of the synagogue was reserved for men, and the upper floor for women.

Today, the Bet Israel Synagogue is used only on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, public holidays, and ceremonies such as Bar Mitzvah and weddings. Then we will drive to Konak Square and visit the clock tower. Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir, is the Ottoman Sultan Sultan II. It was built in 1901 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Abdulhamid's accession to the throne.

This commercial square started from the Hisar Mosque built in Izmir in 1592 and has grown increasingly. Since the 19th century, inns and covered bazaars have been in the Kemeralti Bazaar, the liveliest trade point in Izmir. However, the shops here were referred to as small businesses that local people were interested in.

Options such as blacksmith, coal maker, nail maker, spice and straw bazaar were previously located in Kemeralti Bazaar. Commercial shops in different areas were also found at various points. Havra Street, named after the many synagogues in its vicinity, was a lively shopping center where Kosher (Halal) food was produced and sold.

According to their beliefs, the Jews of Izmir used to obtain a significant part of their food needs, such as meat, fish, chicken, yogurt, cheese, and eggs from Havra Street. Most Jews in Izmir were active traders, agents, translators, and artisans.

Their commercial ties extended from Persia and Syria in the East to Western European countries and especially to the principal seaports of the Mediterranean that used to have their critical Jewish communities.

While on Havra Street, You will also be able to taste the dishes in the Sephardic cosine; you might want to try the boyoz, which entered the culinary culture of Izmir with the arrival of Sephardic Jews. Boyoz, an unleavened pastry, is derived from the Spanish word "bollos," which is the plural of "bollo" meaning "small loaf."

After the lunch break, drive to Sardes. It will take about 2 hrs drive.

Sardes Ancient Ruin

The ruins of Sardis are amazing to behold, surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop. This is where money was first used. A must for archeology buffs, photographers, people interested in Judaic history (magnificent ancient synagogue), and bible study groups (one of the seven churches of the Revelation).

Could you do some research before visiting? Today's ruins are quite impressive, with the best-preserved ancient synagogue and gymnasium being the highlights for many.

A sign points south to the Temple of Artemis, just over 1km away. Today only a few columns of the once-magnificent but never-completed building still stand.

Nevertheless, the temple’s plan is visible and very impressive. Nearby is an early Christian church dating from the 4th century AD. After the tour, drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.