Aydınlı Shalom Synagogue
Known as Kal de Abaşo or El Kal de la Tromba, the synagogue was one of the six synagogues that existed in 1610, after it was allocated to Jews from Aydın in the 1930s. It is known that Sabetay Sevi declared himself 'Messiah' in this synagogue. The dates 5560 (1800) and 5650 (1890) recorded in the inscription in the synagogue courtyard are probably the dates of major repairs and renovations. After the great fire of 5760 (1841) burned the entire neighborhood, it stopped at the door of this synagogue.
Perhaps the most authentic synagogue in Izmir, the interior of the Shalom Synagogue is reminiscent of a Turkish house, with its ceilings decorated with pen work, ottomans at the base of the walls and flowered cushions. The synagogue's Teva (prayer lectern), which resembles the bow of a galleon, was once in the center, but was probably moved to the bottom of the wall at the beginning of the 20th century. The classic tripartite Ehal (cabinet where Torah rolls are kept) composition is also present in this synagogue.
At the beginning of the 20th century, part of the synagogue's front garden was allocated exclusively to Ashkenazi Jews, and when they left, it was converted into a shop. In the garden there is a sukkah (gazebo) with a large crown in the center, said to be the only one in the world.
The synagogue is open for worship on holidays and for evening prayers every day except Saturday and Sunday.
