Jewish places of worship are often referred to as synagogues.  This idiom originates from ancient Greek and consists of the roots syn = together and ago = bringing and expresses the concept of “to be together”.  Synagogues are also called Bet ha-Tefilla (house of worship), Bet ha-Midrash (education house), Bet Aam (house of the people, house of congregation).  There are a total of 21 synagogues in İstanbul, some of which are open to prayer for 7 days, some for certain days and hours.  Neve Shalom Synagogue, which is located in Galata and whose name means “Oasis of Peace”, was opened to worship on 25 March 1951.  Haydarpaşa Hemdat Israel Synagogue and Caddebostan Bet El Synagogue serve.  Chesed Le Avram [Goodness of Avram] Synagogue 1904 in Büyükada, Bet Yaakov [Yaakov’s House] Synagogue in Heybeliada 1956, Ohel Yaakov [Yaakov’s Tent] in Burgazada opened in 1968.


Reference:
Güleryüz, N.(2014). Fetih Öncesi ve Feth-i Hakani Sonrası İstanbul’da Musevi İbadethaneleri. Emecen, F. M.,Akyıldız, A. ve Gürkan E.S. (Editörler), Osmanlı İstanbul’u II İçinde. İstanbul : İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi.

Güleryüz, N.(1992). İstanbul Sinagogları. İstanbul: Ajans Class Yayıncılık.