The Zülfaris Synagogue (Turkish: Zülfaris Sinagogu), also known as the Kal Kadoş Galata Synagogue, is a former Jewish congregation and synagogue located at 39 Büyük Hendek Street, in the Beyoğlu neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in 1823 and used as a synagogue until 1985, the building was repurposed in 2001 as a Jewish museum.

Zülfaris Synagogue
Turkish: Zülfaris Sinagogu
The ehal of the former synagogue, in 2007
Religion
AffiliationJudaism (former)
RiteNusach Sefard (Eastern)
Ecclesiastical or organisational status
Status
  • Closed (as a synagogue);
  • Repurposed
Location
Location39 Büyük Hendek Street, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
CountryTurkey
Zülfaris Synagogue is located in Istanbul
Zülfaris Synagogue
Location of the former synagogue, now museum in Istanbul
Geographic coordinates41°01′36″N 28°58′22″E / 41.026772°N 28.972733°E / 41.026772; 28.972733
Architecture
TypeSynagogue architecture
Completed1823; 1904 (reconstruction)
MaterialsStone
[1]

History

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There is evidence that a synagogue building existed in 1671, and its foundations suggest that another structure was built during the colony of the Republic of Genoa.[2] It was recorded as "Holy Sinavi (Synagogue) in Galata" or "Kal Kadoş Galata", it was named as "Zülfaris" which is thought to have derived from the Persian word "Zülf-ü Arus", meaning "the fringe of a bride". However the actual building was re-erected over its original foundations presumably in the early 19th century, probably in 1823.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Zülfaris (Kal Kadoş Galata) Synagogue in Istanbul". Historic Synagogues of Europe. Foundation for Jewish Heritage and the Center for Jewish Art at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. n.d. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  2. ^ Güleryüz, Naim (June 2006). "The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews". Beyoğlu. No. 3. pp. 50–56.
  3. ^ "The Zülfaris Synagogue". Ayasofya Hotel. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
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