istanbul synagogues
 

I am going to Istanbul in July can anyone tell me of hotels tha are within walking distance of the synagogues there?

The only one I noticed is the Neve Shalon Synagogue, located on B&uuml;y&uuml;k Hendek Sokak, very near the Galata Tower and Sishane Square, and short distance from where Istiklal Caddesi ends (the famous, almost pedestrian only street, stretching from Taksim Square to Tunnel Square and served by a tram, where a big part of Istanbul's night life takes place - plenty of caf&eacute;s, restaurants, clubs and small shops). <BR><BR>The hotels that are closest to it are (closest to farther away)<BR><BR>Hotel Richmond (top end), Yenisehir Palas (middle range), Hotel Mercure (top), Pera Palas (top) and B&uuml;y&uuml;k Londra Hoteli (middle). <BR><BR>Haven't peeked inside any of them :-(

Someone posted a message to me about synagogues in Istanbul about this time last year, maybe a month or 2 earlier. Check the Turkey threads on this site. The main thing is, you need special permission to enter. I was told this way before 911, so I'm sure its even more so now.

The thread referred to by Mary may be found at <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=2&tid=1291141

You do not need special permission to go to the synagogue. They will of course check your id for security.<BR><BR>From the hotels listed close to the the Neve Shalom I only know the Pera Palas which is a very old establishment. Agatha Christie stayed there.<BR><BR>There is also the Etz Hahayim Synagogue in Ortakoy. The Ciragan Palace which is a delux hotel is walking distance. Apparently there is also the Princess Hotel very close by.<BR><BR>Both Synagogues are Sephardic ones. There is also one Ashkenazy Synagogue but it is not always open as the Askenaz community is very very small in Istanbul. <BR><BR>Hope this helps. Karen