Algazi Synagogue
A historic Sephardi synagogue in Izmir's Kemeraltı Market, still active and a symbol of enduring Jewish heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Algazi Synagogue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Sephardi synagogue in Izmir's Kemeraltı Market, still active and a symbol of enduring Jewish heritage.
"A lovely historic place to visit, I warmly recommend it."
🎯 Ask for 'Sinyora' Synagogue
Locals might know it better as 'Sinyora' Synagogue, which is nearby.
⏰ Check Saturday Closures
It may be closed on Saturdays for religious services.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Active Sephardi Synagogue
Kemeraltı Market, Izmir
Experience a living piece of history, one of the few active Sephardi synagogues in Izmir, still hosting prayers.
Unique Bimah Arrangement
Central stage (Bimah)
Observe the traditional Sephardi seating arrangement with congregants surrounding the central Bimah.
Symbol of Jewish Life
Kemeraltı Market, Izmir
A testament to Izmir's rich Jewish heritage, this synagogue stands as a vibrant symbol of community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Algazi Synagogue
Respectful Visit Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for 'Sinyora' Synagogue
Locals might know it better as 'Sinyora' Synagogue, which is nearby.
⏰ Check Saturday Closures
It may be closed on Saturdays for religious services.
📍 Location is Key
It's in the Kemeraltı Market, slightly south and east of Sinyora Synagogue.
📜 Admire the Inscription
Look for the ancient inscription, a sign of its 2000-year history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for 'Sinyora' Synagogue
Locals might know it better as 'Sinyora' Synagogue, which is nearby.
⏰ Check Saturday Closures
It may be closed on Saturdays for religious services.
📍 Location is Key
It's in the Kemeraltı Market, slightly south and east of Sinyora Synagogue.
📜 Admire the Inscription
Look for the ancient inscription, a sign of its 2000-year history.
🙏 Dress Modestly
As an active place of worship, modest attire is appreciated. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Algazi Synagogue as a well-preserved Sephardi place of worship and a symbol of Izmir's Jewish heritage. Its active status and unique seating arrangement are highlighted as particularly interesting. However, some travelers have found it difficult to locate within the bustling Kemeraltı Market, and access can be restricted on Saturdays.
"Algazi Synagogue is one of the historical synagogues in Kemeraltı. It is the largest synagogue in the city after the Bet Israel Synagogue."
Pawel Szyszuk
"Small, old pretty Sefardi synagogue, very well conserved, the only one out of eight (!) small Jewish temples in downtown Izmir very close from each other which still serves for active service and prayers at Jewish festivities and celebrations. The attendants sit around the central stage (the ''Bimah'') as used in Sefardi cult, men and women sit apart at both sides of the main aisle, which virtually separates the venue in two equal halfs. A lovely historic place to visit, I warmly recommend it."
Roni Goldberg
"We looked and looked for more than hour for it. Couldn't find it. It seems the location is wrong. We asked everyone we found in the market about it and each one sent us to different location.
At last we met with a Jewish priest in another very far away synagogue. And he told us it's closed we cannot visit it since tomorrow is Saturday and they're preparing for prayers (at least that's what we understood since half of his talk was Turkish)"
Huda Sammour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Algazi Synagogue is located within the busy Kemeraltı Market. It can be a bit challenging to find, so asking locals for directions to 'Sinyora Synagogue' might be helpful as they are in the same vicinity. It's situated slightly to the south and east of Sinyora Synagogue, down an alleyway.
Yes, Kemeraltı Market is a central area in Izmir and is well-served by public transport, including trams and buses. The nearest tram stops are usually Konak or Çankaya, from where you can walk into the market.
Kemeraltı is a labyrinth of streets. It's best to have a general sense of direction and be prepared to ask for help. Having a map app on your phone can also be useful, though signal can be spotty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to visit the Algazi Synagogue, as it is an active place of worship. However, donations are often appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a Saturday, as it may be closed for religious services. Weekday mornings and afternoons are typically the best times to visit when it's open for prayer.
It is often closed on Saturdays due to Shabbat services. Travelers have reported being unable to visit on Saturdays as the community prepares for prayers.
As an active synagogue, services are held regularly, particularly on Jewish festivities and celebrations. The exact times for daily or weekly services are not always publicly advertised, so a weekday visit might be more predictable for general sightseeing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Algazi Synagogue follows the Sephardi tradition where men and women sit separately on either side of the main aisle. The congregants are seated around the central stage, known as the 'Bimah'.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to ask for permission before taking pictures inside, especially during services.
It is one of the oldest and largest active synagogues in Izmir, representing a significant part of the city's Jewish heritage and history.
Modest clothing is recommended out of respect for it being a place of worship. This generally means covering shoulders and knees.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique interior with its Bimah and segregated seating offers interesting photographic perspectives. The ancient inscriptions are also notable.
Yes, the inscriptions are a key historical feature. Just be mindful of any ongoing services and ask permission if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Cultural Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kemeraltı Market
To increase your chances of finding it, try to get a general sense of the market's layout. The synagogue is often described as being near the 'Sinyora' Synagogue, so using that as a landmark can be helpful.
The Sephardi Heritage
A key characteristic of Sephardi synagogues, and evident in Algazi, is the seating arrangement. Unlike some Ashkenazi traditions, congregants sit around the central 'Bimah' (the raised platform from which the Torah is read), fostering a sense of community and shared participation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit