Etz Hayim Synagogue is repeatedly identified in official sources and visitors' accounts as one of Izmir's oldest Jewish houses of worship. The Ministry of Culture page notes a long history, multiple fires and a major restoration in 1851 by Daniel Sidi; reviewer Pawel Szyszuk also cites the 1851 restoration and the claim that the building dates back to Byzantine times. Wikipedia and the ministry both record that the building is not in regular religious use today, and the synagogue won a local conservation award in 2022 after restoration work.
Visitors consistently praise the atmosphere and surviving architectural details. Several reviewers mention that the original stone structure and layout feel well preserved: Uğur Aksoy writes that the original structure has been beautifully preserved, and Sabahat Ebru Kaçar describes it as a fairytale-like setting. Zafer Tuncay specifically notes a ketubah exhibition on the ground floor and praises the knowledgeable instructor from the Jewish foundation who guided visitors through marriage contracts and artifacts.
At the same time, a common complaint is inconsistent access. Multiple reviewers warn that the synagogue can be closed without notice: Bas Wiltink and Zly Ksr report chains on the doors and locked entrances, Gürkan Ünal says knocking met with no answer, and other visitors say they found the building closed during their visit. Conversely, some visitors report it has been repaired and opened to visitors (Dilek Kaykılar) and TripAdvisor comments refer to helpful, informative staff when the site is accessible. One visitor, נעה לבון, found a small shop called 'vintage home by yelis' in adjacent rooms selling Judaica priced in USD, which others also noticed as a tangible continuation of Jewish culture at the site.
Reviewers also reference recent negative incidents and conservation issues. Wikipedia notes an antisemitic attack in 2023, and some local reviewers urge better maintenance and security; Tijen Paslıoğlu and others say the building still needs attention despite restorations. Practical tips from reviews: check ahead with local cultural bodies or the Jewish foundation, expect a brief visit if allowed, and treat the site with sensitivity given its historical and contemporary context.
