Istanbul Jewish & Kosher Guide 2024: Kosher Info in Istanbul, Turkey

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Are you Looking for Kosher Eatery or Jewish POI near you?

About Istanbul

Istanbul is a city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. The Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring dome and Christian mosaics. Founded on the Sarayburnu promontory around 660 BCE as Byzantium, the city now known as Istanbul developed to become one of the most significant cities in history. The city is the administrative center of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality hosting a population of around 14 million residents. Istanbul has numerous shopping centers, from the historic to the modern. The Grand Bazaar, in operation since 1461, is among the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Istanbul has many historical and beautiful sites for the tourist, many are walkable but the transport network is also good around the city.

The Best Of Istanbul

Are you a Istanbul Kosher establishment or tour operator?

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Istanbul

Jews have lived in what is now Turkey for 1,400 years, in the 16th Century Constantinople had a Jewish community of 30,000 individuals with 44 synagogues. The present size of the Jewish Community was estimated at 17,400 in 2011 according to the Jewish Virtual Library. The vast majority, approximately 95%, live in Istanbul. During the summer months many Jews from Istanbul would retreat to the Prince Islands or Red Islands, Buyukada is one of these Islands, it contains 3 synagogues and a butcher has a business there during the summer. There are Jewish beaches and beach clubs. The Islands are free from motorised vehicles so the air is very good. There are currently 16 active synagogues in Istanbul. There is a Jewish Museum of Turkey, located in Karaköy. There are only a handful of places you can eat kosher in Istanbul.


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What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!

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