Photograph: Courtyard in a kenesa.

Karaites

Taurida province, Yevpatoriysky district, city Yevpatoria

1905

Gelatin silver printing with chemical development (DOP)

11,2 x 16,5

РЭМ 735-1

Kenesa (from the Arab word “kanisa,” or non-Moslem temple) was a synagogue where the temple’s main part with Torah scrolls kept in it was oriented to the south. The Kenesas in Eupatoria is a large complex that comprised two synagogues (the Grand and the Minor one), courtyards, and a gallery. The construction started in 1804 and continued up to the end of the 1830s. The Minor Kenesa was opened in 1812.