Havra Sokagi (Synagogue Street), Izmir

Street in Izmir

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Scott Edmunds

Tucked within the labyrinthine lanes of Kemeraltı Bazaar, Havra Sokagi - known as Synagogue Street - is one of İzmir's most vibrant and characterful corners. Bursting with color, sound, and scent, this bustling market lane connects the heart of the bazaar with the ancient Agora, serving as both a commercial hub and a living reminder of the city's multicultural roots. It's one of the top sights in İzmir and a highlight of any walking tour of İzmir, where Jewish, Turkish, and Aegean traditions coexist in a captivating urban mosaic.

By day, Havra Sokagi hums with energy: vendors call out prices, fishmongers clean their catch, and shoppers haggle for olives, cheeses, and fragrant herbs. The street’s name pays tribute to the many historic synagogues that still stand nearby, echoing İzmir’s centuries-old Jewish heritage. This spot is truly one of the must-see places in İzmir, a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the city’s living history.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Havra Sokagi Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Havra Sokagi’s origins stretch back to the Ottoman era, when İzmir was one of the most diverse and prosperous cities of the empire. The neighborhood became the center of the Jewish community, home to several synagogues built between the 17th and 19th centuries. The word “Havra” itself means “synagogue” in Turkish, reflecting the area’s deep connection to İzmir’s Jewish population, many of whom arrived after the Spanish expulsion in 1492.

Over time, as the Kemeraltı Bazaar expanded, the street evolved into a busy commercial district. Merchants from different backgrounds - Turkish, Jewish, Greek, and Armenian - traded side by side, giving Havra Sokagi its unique multicultural flavor. While much of the original architecture has changed, the area retains the same energy and spirit that has defined it for centuries.

Things to See and Do

Walking down Havra Sokagi is an immersion into daily İzmir life. The street is lined with vendors selling everything from freshly caught fish and lamb cuts to vibrant fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The lively scenes - merchants calling out their wares, customers bargaining, and cats and dogs weaving through the crowds - make it a photographer's dream.

Among the market’s highlights are its traditional food stalls. Try samples of helva, a sesame-based sweet, or pick up local olives and cheeses to take home. The nearby synagogues, including Hevra, Sinyora, and Bikur Holim, stand as quiet reminders of İzmir’s Jewish legacy and are sometimes open to visitors. As the day winds down, the area transforms - with a few bars and eateries bringing a touch of nightlife to the once-silent lanes, blending old and new İzmir effortlessly.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon for the liveliest atmosphere.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Market activity peaks between 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Official website: Not applicable.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
Accessibility: Narrow, uneven streets; wear comfortable shoes.
Facilities: Nearby cafés, restrooms, and shaded resting spots within Kemeraltı.
Photography tip: Visit in the morning for the best natural light and fewer crowds.
Guided tours: Often included in cultural and culinary walking tours of İzmir.
Nearby food options: Local eateries serve traditional Turkish dishes and fresh seafood.

How to Get There

Havra Sokagi is located within İzmir's Kemeraltı Bazaar, just a short walk from Konak Square and the İzmir Clock Tower. Take the metro or tram to Konak Station, or arrive by ferry to Konak Pier from Karşıyaka or Alsancak. From the bazaar entrance, follow Anafartalar Caddesi east toward the Agora - Havra Sokagi runs between these two landmarks and is well signposted.

Is Havra Sokagi Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Havra Sokagi is more than just a market street - it's a living chronicle of İzmir's history and culture. The blend of aromas, voices, and architecture captures the city's essence better than almost anywhere else. For travelers wanting to experience the real İzmir, this is one of the best places to visit in İzmir, offering authenticity, diversity, and a glimpse into the heart of local life.

Nearby Attractions

Kemeraltı Market - The sprawling bazaar surrounding Havra Sokagi.
Hisar Mosque - İzmir's grand Ottoman mosque located nearby.
Kızlarağası Han Bazaar - A restored 18th-century caravanserai filled with artisan shops.
Agora of Smyrna - Ancient ruins a short walk north of the street.
Konak Square - The city's central hub with the famous İzmir Clock Tower.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (34)

Etz Hayim Sinagogu sits on 937. Sk. in Güzelyurt, Konak, İzmir, and is a synagogue that also functions as a museum; visitors note a ground-floor Ketubah (marriage contract) exhibition guided by a friendly, knowledgeable instructor from the Jewish foundation, though some callers have found it closed at times and one visitor expressed frustration about access and maintenance of local synagogues.

Zafer Tuncay

9 months ago

"There is a highly interesting Ketubah( marriage contracts) exhibition in the ground floor of the “Etz Hayim” (tree of life) synagog under a friendlyand well educated instructor of the jewish foundation...."

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Pawel Szyszuk

2 years ago

"Etz Hayim Sinagogu (Tree of Life Synagogue) is said to be the oldest synagogue in Izmir. The building, which is thought to be from Byzantine times,underwent its last restoration in 1851. Ets Hayim means tree of life...."

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נעה לבון

2 years ago

"the synagogoue itself was closed, but in a three seperate rooms there is a store ("vintage home by yelis") selling beautiful judaica. i was excitedto see that the jewish culture is still shown, even via commercial form. the prices are in USD. i bought 3 items in fair price. according to the store seller, they were handmaid by women in the city of Usak (if i rememeber correctly the name of the city). the store seller was very kind!..."

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The Havra Sokagi (Synagogue Street) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Izmir!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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