Neve Shalom Synagogue
Changes After Construction:
- The formation of the front façade opening onto Büyük Hendek Avenue was completed in 1960 with the demolition of the structure in front.
- After the heinous attack of 6 September 1986, the building was repaired and reopened for worship on 20 May 1987.
- Following the heinous attack of 15 November 2003, strengthening works were carried out on the building for security reasons.
Prominent Features:
- The name “Neve Şalom” means “Oasis of Peace.”
- The building was constructed between 1949 and 1951 to meet the worship needs of the growing Jewish population in the Galata–Beyoğlu area.
- The name Neve Şalom was chosen for the new synagogue on the first day of Passover in 1948.
- Elio Ventura and Bernard Motola, newly graduated from Istanbul Technical University, prepared the project design of the building and carried out its implementation.
- The opening ceremony was held on the morning of Sunday, 25 March 1951, under the leadership of Rafael Saban.
- The structural calculation of the synagogue’s dome was made by the architect Bodin; the casting of the dome was carried out by Master Garbis.
- The Academy of Fine Arts prepared the stained-glass designs; the stained-glass windows were brought from England.
- The building has hosted the enthronement ceremonies of the chief rabbis elected in the Republican period.
