Ahrida Synagogue

Ahrida Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul, located in Balat, which was a once thriving Jewish settlement that expanded in the 17th century. Named the Ahrida Synagogue after a town in Macedonia of which many of its congregation travelled from during Byzantine times. A key feature of Ahrida is its Bima (pulpit), which is in the shape of the prow of a ship and is said to symbolise Noah's Ark. The Ahrida was badly damaged by a fire in the late 17th century and later rebuilt in the Baroque style of the Tulip Period.

Ashkenaz Synagogue

Founded by Jews of Austrian descent in 1900, this is the last remaining synagogue from a total of three built by Ashkenazim (the population of Ashkenazi Jews accounts for four per cent of the total Jewish population in Turkey). Close to Galata Tower, the synagogue has an imposing facade, with three Oriental arches and octagonal rosette windows. The interior has marble floors, a dome decorated with the Stars of David, and an ark of dark wood, which is a blend of eastern European and Arabesque styles.