The Sephardic Jews were directed to settle at a zone bordering the main bazaar and the harbour of Ottoman Izmir. The area was neighbouring the Muslim, Armenian and Greek quarters of the city too.In the 17th and 18th centuries, Izmir became an important Jewish religious center with reputable rabbis such as Rabbi Escapa and Rabbi Palachi. On the other hand, the Jewish quarter was also the scene where the Sabetay Zevi movement started. At its peak during the 18th and 19th centuries, the first Juderia (the old Jewish quarter) reflected its expansion with many synagogues, public structures and dwellings. The quantity and diversity of these facilities demonstrated the involvement of the community both in faith practice and daily life.