Ankara Synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Samanpazari district, Ankara, Turkey
The Ankara Synagogue is a stone building in the Samanpazari area with distinctive interior features. The structure holds six columns decorated with spiral floral patterns and a central pulpit shaped like a ship's prow.
The building was completed in 1834 after a fire destroyed earlier Jewish worship spaces in the city. An Italian architect made significant changes to it in 1906, reshaping its appearance and function.
The interior holds prayer furnishings and religious symbols maintained by the community for daily worship. Visitors can observe how these elements remain central to the spiritual life of those who gather here.
The building sits in the Samanpazari area on Birlik Street and opens for visits on certain days throughout the year. Since it remains an active prayer space, it's helpful to check ahead about visiting times.
A bronze column in Ankara's Augustus Temple records the existence of this Jewish community and shows that Jews held recognized rights within the Roman Empire. This ancient documentation connects the long history of Jewish presence in the region to the modern structure.
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