Jewish Museum (Musevi) of Istanbul

The history of this Istanbul museum is inextricably linked with European history. In particular with the history associated with Spain and the Jews who lived there for many years. In the late 15th century King Ferdinand of Spain had expelled everyone who professed Judaism from the country by a special decree. Having heard about this, Sultan Beyazit immediately gave shelter to the Spanish Jews, realizing that the empire will only benefit from a large number of scholars, merchants and artisans. Therefore, in the early 15th century there were about 50 thousand Jews from Spain, Portugal and other European countries in Istanbul. Doctors, interpreters, jewellers, manufacturers... After this a real trade boom began in the Ottoman Empire.

When the resettlement of the Jews - Musevi - was 500 years of age, Istanbul authorities decided to open a museum dedicated to this event. As it often happens in Istanbul,they fulfilled the plan very quickly. Musevi got its name from the name of the prophet Moses in Turkish language. "Musevi" means "those who believe in Moses" (ie. Jews).

You will see many exhibits in this museum concerning the history of the Jewish Diaspora in Istanbul. Here one can find old maps, documents and portraits of famous Jews of the Ottoman Empire. The museum is located in former synagogue, which was built in 19 century. This is Karakoy area, closely concerned with the history of Istanbul and the local Jews. Their first communities - they will tell you about this in Istanbul Musevi museum - have appeared in Constantinople under Emperor Theodosius the Second, at the beginning of the 5th century AD.

The museum is open from 10:00 to 16:00 three days a week (Tuesday-Thursday inclusive) and from 10:00 to 14:00 two days a week (Sunday and Monday). The museum does not work on Saturday and Friday, because it is a holiday for Jews and Muslims.