Jewish immigrants from Russia, who arrived in the 1880’s, first used the Çorapçı Han in Sirkeci as a house of prayer. When the synagogue became too small, the community rented on special days such as the Sabbath a building behind Sirkeci train station, today’s Avraam Synagogue.
The official opening ceremony took place at the time of the occupation of Istanbul by the Entente. When the invited chief of police of Sirkeci saw the house of worship, which was richly decorated with Turkish flags, he was very touched and said to the chief rabbi Becerano:
“The patriotic solidarity of the loyal Jewish community in these difficult days, in which our country is, comforts us very much. I can not find words to express my deepest thanks, both on behalf of my government and in my name.”
The synagogue had its heyday in the 1930’s and 1940’s, when big celebrations and weddings were held here. From the 1950s, many Jews moved to Galata, causing the synagogue to lose its former importance.
When many Jews moved to Galata in the 1950’s, the synagogue lost its former importance. Today, it opens its doors only on Friday evenings for Sabbath prayer and religious holidays.