Category: Religious
Type: Synagogue
Location: Rasimpaşa, İzzettin St. Kadıköy
Date: 1899
Designer: Boris Lekav
Period: Ottoman Empire
Photos: A.Savin, Wikipedia
The Hemdat Israel Synagogue, situated in the historic Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood of Kadıköy, remains one of the most culturally significant houses of worship on the Asian side of Istanbul. Completed in 1899 following an imperial decree by Sultan Abdülhamid II, the synagogue’s name, which translates to the Desire of Israel, serves as a subtle linguistic homage to the Sultan in gratitude for his authorization of the project. Architecturally, the building is a fine example of late nineteenth-century eclecticism, featuring a rectangular masonry structure that blends neoclassical elements with traditional Sephardic planning. The interior is particularly noted for its ornate wooden ceiling, classical proportions, and the meticulously crafted Aron Kodesh, all of which reflect the sophisticated aesthetic of the city’s Jewish community during the late Ottoman period. Today, the synagogue stands as a vital landmark of religious pluralism and continues to serve its congregation, preserving the multi-layered social history of the Haydarpaşa district.
