The Izmir Jewish Heritage project, prepared by the Jewish Community Foundation in Izmir, started its activities in April last year. With the project, it is aimed to create a Jewish quarter in the region consisting of 9 synagogues, 1 rabbinate, 5 cortejos and a "juderia".
IZMIR JEWISH HERITAGE PROJECT
Before the visit of President of the Israeli regime, Yitzak Herzog, who is scheduled to come to Turkey in mid-March, a gesture came from Turkey to Israel. According to journalist Salih Eser who made a statement to the Milli Gazete, 9 historical synagogues will be restored and opened to visitors in the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar region of İzmir. The Izmir Jewish Heritage project, prepared by the Jewish Community Foundation in Izmir, started its activities in April last year.
THE PROJECT WANTS TO CREATE A "JEWISH NEIGHBORHOOD"
Journalist Salih Eser said that the projects of the Jewish Foundation in Izmir are financed by the European Union (EU). Many of the old buildings within the scope of the project are located in Kemeraltı and its surroundings that are also called the Synagogues region. He claims the area, which consists of 9 synagogues, 1 rabbinate, 5 cortejos and "juderia", as a Jewish quarter, and it is aimed to revitalize this neighborhood with the completion of the projects.
SYNAGOG, BUILT IN THE 17TH CENTURY BUT TURNED INTO A WASTE, IS BEING ACTIVATED
In this context, it was aimed to carry out many activities for the protection of Jewish heritage and transfer it to future generations for 36 months. As part of the Izmir Jewish Heritage project, 9 synagogues are being activated in the Synagogues region, including the restoration of Hevra and Foresteros, which were built in the 17th century but became derelict. According to the Izmir Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish population in Izmir today is approximately 1,400, and 13 of 34 synagogues remain in the city.