Hemdat Israel Synagogue
Changes After Construction:
- In the 1890s, the Jews of Haydarpaşa used a rented house as a Talmud Torah and place of worship.
- Based on the imperial decree dated 14 January 1896, construction began on the plot on Aziziye Avenue for a synagogue and a building intended for the residence of the rabbi.
- The synagogue entered service on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, which fell on 3 September 1899.
- In the 1970s, the connection between Uzun Hafız Street and İzzettin Street was closed off with a wall for security reasons.
Prominent Features:
- During the construction of the synagogue, attempts were made to obstruct the project; Sultan Abdülhamid II secured the site by sending a military unit from the Selimiye Barracks.
- The plans were drawn by an Austrian architect.
- The building was completed through donations; the financial support of Baroness Clara de Hirsch is also recorded.
- The layout is described as being in the classical Sephardic style; the two entrance doors were arranged on the north–south longitudinal axis.
- The ehal and the teva were positioned opposite each other on the east–west axis of the rectangular hall; the seating rows were arranged on the two sides.
- The azara, reached by the staircase to the left of the entrance, is described as a wide balcony.
- At the foundation stage, a rehitsa (washing place for the dead) was planned beneath the synagogue.
