ISTANBUL — 1986 · Major Tragedy

Neve Shalom Synagogue attack

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the morning of Saturday 6 September 1986, during Sabbath prayers at the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Kuledibi, Beyoğlu, two armed men entered and opened fire on the congregation with automatic weapons and used grenades. Twenty-two people were killed. The attackers also died at the scene. No organisation officially claimed the attack; sources report it was believed to be linked to the Abu Nidal organisation, but the attackers' identities and on whose behalf they acted were never conclusively established. The synagogue was targeted again in 1992 and 2003. The victims are commemorated every year by Istanbul's Jewish community.

Date: 1986
Place: Beyoğlu (Kuledibi), Istanbul
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 41.0262, 28.9738 ↗

Timeline of Events

6 September 1986Two attackers entered during Sabbath prayers; 22 people were killed.
September 1986The attackers died at the scene; no group formally claimed responsibility.

1992The synagogue was attacked again.
15 November 2003Neve Shalom was among the targets of the Istanbul bombings.

Sources

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