Last updated on .

A good 25 to 30 minute walk from Konak Square is Karataş, a once heavily Jewish neighborhood of Izmir known to the Greeks as Melantia (Μελάντια).

 

Beth Israel Synagogue

In Karataş you can find the Beth Israel Synagogue (Bet İsrael Sinagogu). It was built in 1907 and is the largest synagogue in the city.

Bet İsrael Sinagogu in Izmir, Turkey
Beth Israel Synagogue

 

Dario Moreno Street

Nearby is Dario Moreno Street (Dario Moreno Sokağı), a street named after beloved Turkish-Jewish singer Dario Moreno. He once lived in a house on the street. A bust of Moreno sits at the entrance to the street.

Dario Moreno Sokağı in Izmir, Turkey
Dario Moreno Street
Dario Moreno's house in Izmir, Turkey
Dario Moreno’s house
Bust of Dario Moreno in Izmir, Turkey
Bust of Dario Moreno

Watch Dario Moreno perform “O Sole Mio” in 1954:

 

Asansör

At the very end of the street is Asansör, literally “elevator”. It was built in 1907 by Jewish banker Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu to allow for easier transport of goods and people to the top of the cliff.

Asansör in Izmir, Turkey
Asansör
Asansör in Izmir, Turkey
Asansör

At the top is a restaurant and the chance to get some spectacular views of Izmir. I didn’t eat at the restaurant but staff didn’t mind that I was walking around taking pictures.

Restaurant at the top of Asansör in Izmir, Turkey
Restaurant at the top of Asansör
View from the top of Asansör in Izmir, Turkey
View from the top of Asansör
View from the top of Asansör in Izmir, Turkey
View from the top of Asansör

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

Write A Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.