Day 13 - Istanbul As a Religious Crossroads
Exploring Istanbul
Istanbul is a city unlike any other that I have seen. It's hailed as a meeting point of continents, cultures, and histories. Walking through its streets makes me feel like every building and cobblestone has a story to tell. Today we explored several places that represent the nature of this city. In my opinion this seems to highlight its layered identity and the resilience of its people. From ancient watchtowers to vibrant religious communities, each site offered a unique perspective on Istanbul’s past and present.
Galata Tower
Our first stop this morning was the Galata Tower.
The tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, towering above the city like a silent guardian. Originally built in 1358 during the Latin occupation, it has seen many centuries of change, from Byzantine rule to Ottoman dominance and the rise of modern Turkey.
The tower was initially constructed as a watchtower, providing a quite strategic view of the city and even the Bosphorus. Over the years, it has served many purposes: a watch tower, a prison, and even a restaurant. Today, it’s one of the best spots to take in panoramic views of Istanbul. From the top, you can see how the city stretches almost seemingly endless in every direction.
What struck me most about the tower was the lasting influence of the Latin and Italian communities in this area. Even now, their cultural influence remains visible. It reminds visitors of Istanbul’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. The Galata Tower isn’t just a tourist attraction, I feel like it's proof of the city’s rich and interconnected history.
Neveh Shalom Synagogue
In the heart of Istanbul lies the Neveh Shalom Synagogue, a place of worship and community for the city’s Jewish population. Built in the 1940s to accommodate refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, the synagogue has become a symbol of strength and survival.
Despite its small size, Neveh Shalom has faced many significant challenges. It has been targeted and bombed multiple times, including in the aftermath of 9/11. Yet, it continues to serve as a space for prayer and gathering, demonstrating the strength of the Jewish community in Istanbul.
Inside, the traditions of the community are extremely visible. Men and women sit separately, women upstairs, men downstairs, a practice rooted in Orthodox Jewish tradition to my suprise. Helmets are even tucked under every seat, a terrifying reminder of the threats this community has endured. And yet, the atmosphere is one of warmth and community. This I feel is a testament to the deep roots of Jewish life in the city.
500th Year Museum
Right upstairs from the Neveh Shalom Synagogue is the 500th Year Museum. This is a space dedicated to the history and culture of Jewish life in Turkey. Opened in 2001, it celebrates the 500th anniversary of the expulsion of Jews from Spain and their arrival in the Ottoman Empire in 1492.
The museum offers an extremely fascinating journey through 2600 years of Jewish history in the region. What stood out to me was how Judaism in Turkey is not just a religion but an integral part of daily life. From food to family traditions, the exhibits highlight the interconnectedness of faith and culture.
Judaism, as presented in the museum, feels like something you do rather than something you simply believe in. The focus on orthopraxy, ritual and practice, contrasts with other religions where belief often takes center stage. The museum also emphasizes the importance of community and to maintain their cultural traditions. It’s a celebration of identity and strength, showing how the Jewish community has preserved its heritage while adapting to life in Turkey.
Galata Mevlevi House Museum
The Galata Mevlevi House Museum was one of the most captivating stops on my journey. This former “lodge” of the Whirling Dervishes is now a museum dedicated to Sufi traditions and the life of Rumi, the renowned poet and philosopher.
The museum offers insight into the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi order founded by Rumi’s followers. Their ceremonies, or practices of meditation are a mesmerizing blend of music, poetry, and dance. Every element of the ritual is symbolic: the black cloak represents the grave, which is shed to symbolize spiritual rebirth, the white garments and fez like turban on their heads symbolize the tombstone and their hand placement, one in the sky and the other on the ground, represent the bridge of love said to help them concentrate on this very important and helpful ritual. It's a spiritual journey that clears the mind and opens the heart.
I feel like exploring Istanbul is like peeling back the layers of an onion with each day passing it reveals a new story and perspective. From the heights of the Galata Tower to the sacred spaces of the Neveh Shalom Synagogue and the 500th Year Museum, the city’s history comes alive in every corner. What struck me most was how each place reflected a different facet of identity. The Jewish community’s resilience, the spiritual traditions of the Whirling Dervishes, and the enduring influence of Latin and Italian cultures all highlight Istanbul’s role as a bridge between worlds.
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