Izmir Jewish Heritage Tour From Kusadasi

Beth-Israel is the favourite of Izmir's Jews. It is considered the most beautiful synagogue not only in Izmir but also in the whole near east, with its magnificence, beauty and the effect of carrying new European trends. Especially the most beautiful places of this synagogue are Teva and Ehal. The seats of the synagogue are lined up like a theatre hall. The most interesting thing is that, as seen in many synagogues, hidden seats are made for children to sit on the back of the seats and can be opened when desired. The most interesting thing about this synagogue is that it is on the east wall of the Holy Ehal, that is, not in the direction of Jerusalem, but on the south wall. The reason is the shape of the plot. In some parts of prayers, people turn to the left, which is the east wall, and worship is done. (We do not provide entrance permission to Beth Israel Synagogue. It needs an appointment before the visiting date.)

Dario Moreno Street, one of the most famous streets of Izmir, was named after Dario Moreno, who is known to be in love with Izmir. The real name of Dario Moreno, known to have been born in 1921, is David Arugete. David Arugete, a Turk of Jewish descent; is known as a pianist, artist and theater actor. Dairo Moreno, who spent most of his life in İzmir, is known as a lover of İzmir, and has prepared various plays, songs and artistic activities for İzmir. Dario Moreno, known as one of the local artists of Izmir, is shown as the address of art and peace in Izmir.

Dario Moreno Street, which can host hundreds of local and foreign tourists with its historical and artistic structure, has already managed to become one of the symbols of İzmir. In this mystical street, it is always possible to hear Moreno's favorite songs and the soft music of different artists. Small celebrations and entertainment are also held in this street, which is also frequented by those who want calmness and serenity.

There was a hydraulic boiler room on the left of the hall at the entrance of Mithatpasha Street, and the engine room on the left of the Halil Rifat Pasha Street exit of the elevator, which is built with a double cabin and whose mechanism on the left operates with water vapour and the mechanism on the right works with electrical energy. At the arrival point of the elevator, there is a wooden balcony carried by iron brackets, and the cast-iron railings of the balcony are decorated with the most beautiful motifs of the period. the elevator was built to facilitate transport between the two streets, one made for this purpose in Turkey, is among the few examples in the world. The Historical Elevator, which was donated to Izmir Municipality in 1983, was restored in 1985 and both cabins were arranged with electricity. The elevator, which served urban transportation until 1992, was brought into urban tourism after the second restoration carried out by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in 1992

Konak Square is a gateway to many attractions in the center of Izmir. It is one of the top 3 squares in Europe. Konak Square got its name from the region where it is located. The Clock Tower is located in the middle of the square. This building is 25 meters high, has four floors, and has an octagonal plan. Its platform is made of white marble and its other structures; are made of cut stone. The clock of the tower was gifted by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The octagonal pool and İzmir Yellow Barracks, which the architect from İzmir built on the same date as the Raymond Charles Pere clock tower and designed with 25 taps to symbolize the 25th anniversary of the Sultan, have not survived. There is also the Konak Mosque, known as the Yali Mosque, in the square. Konak Square is one of the most beautiful and favorite places in Izmir, where people sit, relax, watch the sea, and stroll. The most important thing that makes this place so special is its aesthetic beauty and location.

Kemeralti Bazaar, which is one of the first places to come to mind when talking about places to visit in Izmir, dates back to the 1600s. It has continued to be one of the most important trade areas that have not lost its importance since ancient times. Kemeralti Bazaar consists of 15 thousand workplaces spread over an area of 5 km. This feature makes it the world's largest open-air shopping area.

Havra (Synagogue) street is a lively street from the first light of the morning to the dark of the evening. It is also the one who brings together the freshest of vegetables and fruits that decorate Izmir's tables with Izmir residents, shedding light on the history and culture of Jews, one of the building blocks of urban identity, is Havra street.
Every Jewish group that comes to Izmir from Spain and Portugal built a synagogue for itself. The result is a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world today. Dozens of synagogues standing side by side, back to back. In addition to these, private synagogues formed by a room in houses; Places of worship up to fifty in total. What would you say to take a nostalgic trip by throwing ourselves into these narrow streets, most of which are not standing today, some of those who are standing still give their last breath, and some of which are very valuable cultural treasures of Izmir?

The crown of Izmir: Kadifekale. After a long period of silence, the castle, which became invisible in the 20th century, surrounded by buildings, has the distinction of being the calmest and most beautiful place in Izmir with the partial repairs and landscaping works carried out in recent years. Kadifekale, which was established at a point that dominates the gulf in the centre of Izmir, was built by Lysimachos, one of his generals, on the instructions of Alexander the Great in the 3rd century BC. Established at an altitude of 186 meters above sea level, Kadifekale is located on an area of 6 kilometres. The north and east walls and five towers of the castle, whose east and south walls were completely destroyed, survived. The height of the towers is 20-35 meters. There is a large arched cistern from the Byzantine Period and the remains of a mosque in the castle.