The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews

An amazing and very professional museum.
It was great to learn about the history of the Jewish people of turkey and more specifically, Istanbul.
This museum has peeked my curiosity in the different varieties of Judaism and their varied histories.

The lady in the shop was very pleasant.

Definitely an underrated gem in this city. The history of the Catholics, Orthodox, and Muslims is well known but the Jews also played a very important and impressive role in the history of Istanbul and the Ottoman empire.

10/10

Splendid place. Entrance fee was 120 TRY, you can purchase a keyring aswell. You are allowed to take photographs in the Museum and the Synagogue. There were airport-like security checks at the entrance. Museum was extremely informative and the Synagogue was very pleasant. Overall highly recommended, a must-visit.

Interesting, detailed exhibits and information about Jewish people in Turkey. Also includes a visit to the beautiful, large synagogue in the building.

Great display of the history of the Jewish people in Turkey and Istanbul in particular. A small museum with a fruendly staff near the popular Galata Tower tourist site. Remember to bring your passport (or a picture of it) or some other government issued picture ID to clear the security at the entrance.

Excellent insight about jewish people innovative welcoming exhibition inc working synagogue

All about the Jewish traces and presence in Turkish history.

Can't recommend this museum enough! The exhibits were thoughtfully curated, and thoroughly explained. I loved the way it shed some light on how religious differences are perceived and tolerated by the Turks. Each museum entry ticket also grants you access to the adjoining synagogue, so you get the full experience.

The 500th Anniversary Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews is a museum in the building of the Neve Shalom synagogue in Istanbul. It was established to provide information about the traditions and history of Turkish Jews. The 500th Anniversary Foundation was established by Turkish citizens, consisting of Jews and Muslims, to celebrate the arrival of the Sephardic peoples to the Ottoman Empire 500 years ago. With the great support of the Kamhi family, the idea of the museum was brought to life. A beautiful and warm building. The museum is worth seeing. Also, the historic synagogue is very fascinating.

A magnificent and exemplary Jewish museum

What lovely museum in the heart of Istanbul. Highly recommend you go see it. An amazing snapshot into the history of Jewish people living in Istanbul.

Engraving a little bit about a community with rich and colorful history.

It’s Beautiful museum about Jewish culture in Turkey. There are a lot of interesting things, photos and costumes. Also you can see there local Jewish magazines and gazettes.

For a history geek jewish history is an interesting one: so much diversity from such a small community. This museum is quintessentially Turkish: covering antiquity to today but mainly spanning the time between the spanish exile and early 20th century. Many interesting elements of the culture is explained in sufficient text material and visuals/physical objects. You get to walk inside the synagogue itself and also visit the art gallery downstairs. The whole complex is not that big but is packed densely -totally enjoyed it, think I got my money's worth!

Tiny but very well put together museum about the Jewish community in Istanbul and greater Turkey. Run by volunteers so weekday visits only. Bring photo ID. Contribution is 20 TL. Museum store has lovely items. All information panels are also available in English.

Quiet museum, documenting Judaism from the time of the great diaspora and afterwards. The synagogue is subdued, but beautiful. Note the earthquake helmets underneath each seat. We had a magnitude 5.6 earthquake while I was there :-) unfortunately, the helmets were not needed.

Neve Synagogue, historical, beautifully maintained. The attached museum gives a good sense of the history of the Jews and of the country, especially the animated maps showing where people traveled from, by boat and horse drawn carriage

Amazing museum chronicling the history of the Jewish people in Turkey. Such a treat to learn about and really important part of the country’s history to understand.

A great place to discover the centuries old Jewish heritage in Istanbul and Anatolia through centuries.

Best Museum in Istanbul! Lots of history of the city, in depth exhibitions and interesting artefacts about everyday sephardic life in Istanbul. Cheap to get in and you can see inside the synagogue too.

Jewish Museum of Turkey (officially Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews; Turkish: 500. Yıl Vakfı Türk Musevileri Müzesi) is a cultural center established by the Quincentennial Foundation to inform the society of the traditions and history of Turkish Jewry. It was inaugurated on November 25, 2001. The Quincentennial Foundation was established in 1989 by 113 Turkish citizens, Jews and Muslims alike, to celebrate the five hundredth anniversary of the arrival of Sephardim to the Ottoman Empire.The idea of a museum was proposed by Naim Güleryüz who is now its curator and the foundation was financed by the prominent Jewish Kamhi family.