2024-11-23T18:13:57-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/123825037/great-synagogue-of-edirne-in-turkey-europe-s-third-largest-synagogue-reopens-after-five-year-restoration Justine Testado 2015-03-26T19:39:00-04:00 >2015-04-05T08:47:32-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/7b/7bl69br81yoyqvyg.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Top Turkish government officials, nearly 100 international dignitaries, and 500 members of the Turkish Jewish community took part in a ceremony commemorating the re-opening of the Great Synagogue of Edirne today after a five-year restoration. The synagogue is claimed to be the largest synagogue in the Balkans and the third largest in Europe.</p><p>The $2.5 million government investment repaired the synagogue's lead-clad domes, its collapsed roof and walls, and its foundation was fortified. Inside, the floor covering was restored to its original patterns and colors, as well as the Torah inscriptions. Turkey&rsquo;s Prime Ministry General Directorate of Foundations oversaw the restoration.</p><p><img title="" alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/qe/qe5h4e3aebq7v5l4.jpg"><img title="" alt="" src="http://cdn.archinect.net/images/514x/zi/zimydszoer2z2vdk.jpg"><br><em>The Great Synagogue of Edirne - after and before restoration</em>.</p><p>The push to rebuild the Great Synagogue began in 2010, as part of an effort to mitigate restrictions on Turkey's non-Muslim religious minorities.&nbsp;Authorities describe the Great Synagogue's reopening as a symbol of tolerance towards Turkey's Jewish commu...</p>