Ahrida

Ahrida, also known as the Ahrida Synagogue or the Ohrid Synagogue, is a historic Jewish place of worship in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Balat district near the Golden Horn and is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in the city. The synagogue is traditionally attributed to being founded in the 15th century by Sephardic Jews from the city of Ohrid, in present-day North Macedonia, who settled in Istanbul after relocating within the Ottoman Empire. The name "Ahrida" is derived from Ohrid.

Throughout its history, Ahrida has served the Sephardic community of Istanbul, preserving distinctive liturgical rites and customs that reflect Balkan and Aegean influences. The building features a wooden interior with an ark on the eastern wall; a gallery once used by women forms part of the design, in line with several historic Ottoman-era synagogues.

The structure has undergone multiple renovations to maintain its integrity and to adapt to changing needs of worship and community life. Today, Ahrida remains an active congregation and a notable example of Istanbul's Jewish heritage, drawing worshippers and visitors alike and contributing to the understanding of Ottoman urban religious life. As one of the city’s oldest synagogues, it has been the focus of restoration efforts and scholarly attention within discussions of minority religious communities in Istanbul.