Mazel tov!
The restoration of the historic Etz Hayim synagogue in Izmir has won a preservation award.
It was awarded one of the 18th annual Respect for History Local Conservation Awards, sponsored by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. It was one of two projects awarded for Major Renovation Preserving Original Function.
As we posted at the time, the long-derelict synagogue was was officially reopened in November 2021, during the third Sephardic Culture Festival, following a 2-year restoration carried out thanks to a substantial grant from the Izmir Development Agency (IZKA).
In addition to the Etz Hayim’s preservation award, Nesim Bencoya, who directed the Sephardic Culture Festival and for years has spearheaded the restoration of Izmir’s synagogues, received an award for the Festival’s Contribution to the Historical Environment and Cultural Heritage.
Two other Jewish projects also received Contribution to the Historical Environment and Cultural Heritage awards — a photography project by Selim Bonfil on the Jews of Izmir and Karataş, and the publications on Jewish culture by Siren Bora.
Believed to be the oldest synagogue in Izmir, the Etz Hayim may date back to the 14th or 15th century — though it was later rebuilt, with its current appearance from the mid-19th century. It is part of a complex of half a dozen historic synagogues at the core of Izmir’s Jewish quarter that the Izmir Jewish Heritage Project is working to preserve as part of a planned Jewish museum.
Restoration work begun in the summer of 2019 entailed full restoration of the walls, roof, wall paintings, and flooring.
Click to see the awards announcement