Mayor Synagogue, Historic synagogue in Bursa, Turkey.
Mayor Synagogue is a religious building on Arap Şükrü Street that reflects traditional Jewish architectural features from Ottoman times. The structure displays characteristic design elements of Jewish places of worship from that historical period.
Jewish refugees fleeing from Mediterranean regions founded this religious center in Bursa during the 15th or late 16th century. The building stands as a physical record of these migration movements during Ottoman times.
This place holds deep meaning for Bursa's Jewish community, especially for Sephardic Jews who made their home here centuries ago. Today it remains an active gathering space where people celebrate religious occasions and keep these traditions alive.
The building now serves as a ritual bath space for the Jewish community and hosts religious gatherings throughout the year. Visitors should check ahead about access, as community events may affect visiting times.
The building closed as a place of worship in 1975 and was transformed into a ritual bath in 2001 to continue serving the community. This change shows how the space adapted while keeping its role in religious practice today.
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