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The Jewish presence in Anatolia dates back to the 6th century B.C., making the Jewish community in Turkey one of the most ancient in the world. Biblical passages in Isaiah (66:19) and Joel (3:4-6) allude to Jews living in Anatolia, with references to a place called Sepharad in Obadiah (1:20). In the 3rd century B.C., Antiochus relocated 2,000 Jews to the regions of Phrygia and Lydia, where some of the earliest synagogues in Asia Minor were constructed. Cicero also recounts an incident where Jews from Bergama had their funds for the Holy Temple in Jerusalem seized, a testimony to the Jewish presence at that time.
St. Paul, born in Tarsus, was initially a prominent Jewish figure before converting to Christianity. He traveled extensively to preach the gospel, often to areas with significant Jewish communities. During the first centuries A.D., prosperous Jewish populations existed in cities like Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and Cappadocia. Under Byzantine rule, most Jewish communities were concentrated in western Anatolia and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). During the reign of Byzantine emperors like Constantine, Theodosius, and Justinian, Jewish rights were heavily restricted. The community suffered significant losses during the Crusades when Latin forces temporarily took control of Constantinople, setting Jewish districts on fire. However, when Mehmed II conquered Constantinople in 1453, the Romaniot Jewish community regarded him as a liberator.
In the following centuries, the Ottoman Empire became a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution and expulsion from various European regions, including Spain, Portugal, and France. The Ottomans welcomed Jewish immigrants, who played key roles in foreign trade and held influential positions. Istanbul became a hub of Jewish learning, with renowned rabbis and scholars and a center for printing Hebrew books. However, by the 17th century, the Jewish community began to decline, mirroring the empire’s decreasing international stature. Many Jews emigrated to the Americas in the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, approximately 100,000 Jews lived in Turkey.
Modern Turkey, established as a secular republic after World War I, officially recognized its Jewish community. In 1992, the community celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Sephardim’s arrival. Today, around 25,000 Jews live in Turkey, with the community being officially acknowledged by the state through its Chief Rabbinate.
Harran, where the biblical patriarch Abraham lived for an extended period (Genesis 11:26, 25:10), is considered one of the earliest centers of Jewish life in the region. Abraham’s journey to Canaan (Genesis 12:4) marked the beginning of the Jewish people’s connection to this area. Harran’s iconic domed houses, built from stone and designed to keep the heat out, have remained largely unchanged since ancient times.
Sardis, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia, was home to a large and prosperous Jewish population during the Roman Empire. The Sardis synagogue, built in the 3rd century A.D., is a significant archaeological site, with a grand structure that includes mosaics and a menorah plaque. It serves as a testament to the thriving Jewish community in the region.
The Hierapolis Necropolis, the largest Roman cemetery in Anatolia, includes numerous tombs with Jewish symbols, such as menorahs, alongside crosses and inscriptions in Greek and Latin. The area, once a vibrant commercial hub, was home to a significant Jewish population before the cities were abandoned in the 7th century A.D.
Izmir (Smyrna), a coastal city with a rich Jewish history, once boasted one of the largest Jewish communities in the Ottoman Empire. Though the community has dwindled since the mid-20th century, Izmir still has synagogues like Shar Hashamayim and Shalom, which preserve the city’s Jewish heritage. Historical sites in the city, such as the street formerly known as Havra Street, which once had nine synagogues, reflect this once-thriving community.
Ephesus, known for its well-preserved ruins, is also significant to Jewish history. St. Paul preached to Jewish congregations in the city, and evidence of Jewish presence can be found in the form of a menorah carved into the steps leading to the library of Ephesus. This archaeological find suggests that Jews played an important role in the city’s early history.
These locations highlight the long-standing and profound connection between Jews and Anatolia, offering insights into the rich history of the Jewish community in Turkey.