Tag: Ahrida and Etz Ha-Hayim

Ahrida Synagogue A Testament to History

Situated in Istanbul’s Balat neighborhood, the Ahrida Synagogue stands as a testament to the city’s rich Jewish heritage. Established in the early 15th century by immigrants from the city of Ohrid, in present-day North Macedonia, it serves as the focal point of the local Jewish community. Renowned for its vibrant walls and ceilings adorned in Baroque style, the synagogue underwent restoration in the late 17th century, preserving its majestic splendor Istanbul’s Architectural Heritage.

A Unique Tapestry of History

At the heart of the Ahrida Synagogue lies its most captivating feature: the tapestry-covered Torah ark. Positioned centrally within the synagogue, this ark houses rare scrolls, symbolizing the spiritual richness and cultural legacy of the Jewish community in Istanbul. Legend has it that Sabbatai Zevi, the self-proclaimed Jewish Messiah of the 1