Princes Islands
The Princes Islands, an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, were places of exile for Byzantine princes. Today during the summer months, wealthy Istanbulites escape to their cool sea breezes and elegant 19th century houses. Here, you can enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage underneath the palm trees and visit the Orthodox -Christian monasteries on the islands.
Synagogues – Princes’ Islands
Hesed Le Avraam Synagogue
Located on the biggest of the Princes’ Islands, called Buyukada (Prenkipo), the synagogue is open only during the summer when the majority of the Jewish population, of Istanbul comes to spend their summer months. Boats and sea-buses commute regularly from various points in Istanbul to Buyukada. For Information and appointments please contact the Chief Rabbinate.
Bet Yaakov Synagogue
Located an the island called Heybeliada (Halki), it was built in 1953 because in the 1940′s there were more than 250 Jewish families passing their summer months on the island.
Burgazada Synagogue
There were few Jewish families in the 1950′s in Burgaz (Antigone), but in the 60′s the need to have a Synagogue arose and permission was taken in 1968 to build one. It is open for services only during summer months, like the other synagogues of the Princes’ Islands.
