The Hidden Rabbinic Library of Izmir: A Journey to Preserve Jewish Heritage

In Izmir, Turkey, a rediscovered rabbinic library holds nearly 2,000 volumes, preserving the intellectual and cultural heritage of a once-thriving Jewish community.

Unearthing a Hidden Chapter of Jewish Heritage in Izmir
In the heart of Izmir, Turkey, an extraordinary discovery has brought a forgotten chapter of Jewish history back to life: an ancient rabbinic library with nearly 2,000 volumes dating back to the 17th century. This collection, rediscovered amidst efforts to preserve Izmir’s dwindling Jewish community of just 1,200 members, offers a priceless window into a vibrant intellectual and cultural past.

Among its treasures are 450 books adorned with handwritten notes and dedications, connecting modern readers to the thoughts and lives of their original owners. These marginalia, written in Ladino and Hebrew, have drawn the attention of scholars worldwide, cementing the collection’s importance as a testament to Jewish heritage.

A Chance Discovery
In 1999, Dina Eliezer, an educator and doctoral student, was invited to Izmir to establish an education program for the community’s children. During a tour of Jewish Izmir, she encountered nine historic synagogues and the central rabbinical house, Chacham Chane. In a neglected, locked room within this historic center, she uncovered decaying books stacked on crumbling shelves, a poignant reminder of the city’s once-thriving Jewish community.

Recognizing the library’s immense cultural and spiritual value, Eliezer worked with community leaders to relocate the books to a safer space in the Jewish hospital. Over four summers, she cataloged 1,700 volumes, carefully restoring and documenting their contents.

Preserving the Legacy
The books span a range of genres, including responsa literature, sermons, and religious texts, many printed in Ladino with Rashi script. The library also includes rare first-edition works from Izmir’s renowned Ottoman-era printing houses. The marginalia—personal notes from rabbis and community members—offer unique insights into the lives and traditions of Izmir’s Jewish population.

By 2004, Eliezer had completed an initial catalog and implemented measures to protect the library. However, changing leadership and lack of oversight led to further challenges. Books were misplaced, and the library fell into disrepair when the hospital space was repurposed.

Revitalization Efforts
In 2024, Eliezer returned to Izmir and spearheaded efforts to restore the library. Thanks to the Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe and the Kiriati Foundation, a professional cataloging of the books and digitization of the marginalia was performed.

By December 2024, 630 images were delivered to the National Library of Israel, ensuring global access through its KTIV platform. Working with community leadership and volunteers from the community, she oversaw the reorganization of the collection, the addition of cameras and alarms for security, and the creation of specialized sections such as marginalia, rabbinic works, newspapers, Ladino literature, and prayer books.

A Unique Resource for Scholars
The Izmir Rabbinic Library is unparalleled in its historical significance. It includes dedications from prominent rabbis, signatures from leaders like Rabbi Chaim Palagi, and personal inscriptions by donors who helped build Izmir’s Jewish institutions. These elements provide invaluable insights into the city’s Jewish legacy.
Unlike similar collections elsewhere, the marginalia and personal dedications make this library a unique resource for genealogical and historical research. Items found among the books, such as ketubot (marriage contracts), leadership announcements, and invitations to Jewish congresses, further enrich the collection.

Looking Ahead
In December 17, 2024, the library was officially opened to visitors and scholars. Now managed by Yudit Sevinir, it stands as a well-preserved repository of Jewish history, offering researchers a rare opportunity to study Izmir’s cultural and intellectual legacy.

Dina Eliezer’s work in preserving the library has garnered international attention, with presentations at conferences and collaborations with leading institutions. She hopes to inspire researchers worldwide to explore the collection and uncover new stories of Jewish resilience and heritage.

What began as a chance encounter has evolved into a mission to protect and share a sacred legacy, ensuring it endures as a testament to Jewish history and identity for generations to come.