The present size of the Jewish Community in Turkey is estimated to be about 26.000. The vast majority live in Istanbul, with a community of about 2.500 in Izmir and other smaller groups located in Adana, Ankara, Bursa.

Although the 99% of the population is Muslim, Turks show respect forother religious beliefs. Some Turks consider it improper or rude to call Jews Yahudi so they call them Musevi (the people who believe in the prophet Moses). There is even an anectode on the subject: When famous Yehudi Menuhin (his proper name) came to Turkey for several concerts in 1970s, one of the newspapers had a headline “Musevi Menuhin was in town for a concert”. The person editing the text thought that it would be impolite to write "Yehudi" and must have changed “Yehudi” to “Musevi”.

Turkish Jews are legally represented, as they have been for many centuries, by the Hahambasi, the Chief Rabbi. Rav David Asseo, Chief Rabbi since elected in 1961, is assisted by a religious Council made up of a Rosh Bet Din and three Hahamim. Thirty five Lay Counselors look after the secular affairs of the Community and an Executive Committee of fourteen, the president of which must be elected from among the Lay Counselors, runs the daily affairs.

Chief Rabbi is the only authorized person for the Jewish Community in Turkey
Yemenici Sokak 23, 80050 Beyoglu Istanbul
Tel: (212) 293 87 94-5, Fax: (212) 244 19 80

Jews can obtain the weekly Shalom Newspaper and Monthly Tiryaki Magazine either from the office of Shalom Newspaper (212) 240 4144 or Remzi Kitapevi.

Customs, Traditions and Symbols

Sabat: It is believed that God created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. Jews don’t work on Saturdays as it is their day of rest. The Friday prior to Sabat all Jews gather in their homes and have a special dinner. Some pious Jews, prefer to walk to the Synagogue for Saturday prayer, instead of driving their cars.

Fasadura: A ceremony for the 3rd month of pregnancy. A member of the family whose parents are alive cuts the cloth to be sewed as the first gown of the baby. Prayers are said and candles thrown over the cloth and clothing of the expected baby. This ceremony is always followed with a decadent tea party.

Berit Milla: Male babies are circumcised on the 8th day following their birth. A banquet is organized after the circumcision. It is customary for the baby to be carried by one of the grandfathers. The lips of the baby are moistened with a few drops of wine to ease the pain and calm the baby.

Vijola: A name giving ceremony for newborn girls.

Barmitzva: According to religion, “13” is the age at which a boy is considered an “adult”. At least 10 religious male adults should be present at each prayer, “Minyan”. Even if there are 100 women present during this ceremony the prayers are not accepted!! After the ceremony the family usually arranges a lightly catered party in the Synagogue. Finances permitting, guest may be offred an invitation to another place, on the same night. If you are invited to a Barmitzva you would be well advised take a valuable gift and dress formally. For the Synagogue, women will need a scarf and men will need a hat.

Batmitzva: Ih the Jewish faith, when a girl reaches the age of 12, her family organizes a celebration in her honor.

Mariage: Before the marriage ceremony ketuba takes place between the couples. This is the determination of the drahoma (dowry) to be given to the groom’s family by the bride’s family. In case of divorce the groom’s family should return this dowry. During the marriage prayer, the bride and the groom are blessed by 7 prayers. A bulb or a glass is broken in memory of the bad events in Jewish history and also to signify the husband’s dominance. One week after the marriage ceremony, the groom visits the synagogue for a special benediction.

Tefilin: One of the most important symbols among Jews. Every man older than 13 years old should wear it on his left arm during the morning prayers.

Mezuza: Every Jewish house has this symbol with the Sema prayer and Ten Commandments in it. It is believed that God protects their houses with this symbol. Everyone entering or leaving the house kisses this symbol and says a short prayer.