Karay Karaim Türkleri namaz kılarken youtube.com

 

---

Worship Practices of the Karaite Turks

The religious practices of the Karaite Turks (Karay or Karaim), who are adherents of Karaite Judaism, bear a strong resemblance to Islamic prayer (namaz). Karaite Judaism, a Jewish sect that follows the Torah while rejecting the Talmud, emphasizes direct interpretation of scripture. This parallels certain aspects of Islamic practice, particularly in ritualistic and liturgical formats.

Karaite worship includes physical postures similar to those seen in Islamic prayer, such as bowing and prostration, which likely derive from shared traditions of ancient Middle Eastern religious practices. Karaite prayer rituals, conducted in their synagogues (kenesa), are marked by simplicity and a focus on scripture without the liturgical embellishments associated with Rabbinic Judaism.

---

The Karaite Synagogue in Istanbul (Kenesa)

Location and Historical Background

The Karaite Synagogue (Hebrew: בית הכנסת הקראי באיסטנבול; Turkish: Karahim Sinagogu, Karaim Sinagogu, Karayim Sinagogu) is situated in the Hasköy district of Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey. This synagogue, known as a kenesa (a term used by Karaites for their places of worship), is one of the rare Karaite Jewish sites in Turkey.

The date of its original construction is uncertain, and it is speculated that the building may date back to Byzantine times. However, its documented history reveals a pattern of destruction and rebuilding:

• 16th century: The synagogue was in ruins.
• 1536: It was repaired.
• 1729: A fire destroyed it.
• 1774: It burned again.
• 1776–1780: Rebuilt after the previous fire.
• 1842: Restored.
• 1918: A major fire once more ravaged the building.

Despite these challenges, the synagogue stands as a testament to the resilience of the Karaite Jewish community in Istanbul.

Modern Function and Management

Today, the synagogue is mostly inactive and only holds services during Karaite Pesach (Passover). The Karaite community’s presence in Istanbul has dwindled significantly, but the Hasköy Türk Karaim Musevi Sinagogu Vakfı (Hasköy Turkish Karaite Jewish Synagogue Foundation) continues to manage the synagogue and its associated institutions, including a Karaite cemetery in the area.

Contact and Accessibility

Due to the limited activity of the Karaite community, contact can be made through:

1. The Turkish Chief Rabbinate: They act as a point of communication for Jewish communities in Turkey.
2. The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews: This museum documents the history of Jewish life in Turkey and serves as a cultural bridge.

---

Religious and Cultural Significance

The survival of the Karaite synagogue reflects the enduring legacy of a unique religious tradition within the broader Jewish and Turkish cultural landscapes. Karaites in Istanbul have navigated the complexities of religious and cultural identity for centuries, maintaining their distinct practices while adapting to the changes in their environment.

Karaite Practices Compared to Mainstream Judaism and Islam

• Scriptural Interpretation: Karaites rely exclusively on the Torah, similar to how Islam places primary emphasis on the Quran, and they do not adhere to rabbinic interpretations found in the Talmud.
• Prayer Practices: Their prayers involve movements like bowing and prostration, which are not typically found in Rabbinic Jewish services but are common in Islamic rituals.
• Dietary Laws: Karaites follow biblical kosher laws without relying on rabbinic guidelines, making their dietary practices more analogous to certain Islamic halal principles.

• turk