Neve Shalom Synagogue

Neve Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul's Beyoglu district was inaugurated in 1951 and is Turkey's largest synagogue. It serves the Sephardic Jewish community whose ancestors were expelled from Spain in 1492 and found refuge in the Ottoman Empire. The Hebrew name means Oasis of Peace, drawn from Isaiah 32:18; tragic irony struck twice when Palestinian terrorists killed 22 worshippers during Sabbath services in 1986 and an Al-Qaeda car bomb killed 23 in 2003. Despite the attacks Neve Shalom remains the active main synagogue; visits are possible by prior arrangement with security screening. The interior with its blue marble rosette and plain wooden pews contrasts sharply with the fortified facade.