Karaite kenassas in Yevpatoria

Karaite kenassas are located in the center of the Old town of Yevpatoria. This is a small religious complex, which consist of a Great Kenassa, as well as a Small Kenassa. The prayer rooms of the Kenassa were built in the early 19th century, and the entrance to the Karaite kenassas complex was built in the early 20th century in a magnificent Baroque style.  

There are several versions regarding the appearance of the Karaite ethnos. According to one version, they are descendants of the Khazars who converted to Judaism, that means, the Karaites belong to the Turkic group. According to another version, Karaites are Jews who profess Karaite Judaism. The holy book of the Karaites is the Torah, but they do not recognize the Talmud. Nowadays, there are no more than 2,000 Karaites living in the world, and about 1,500 Karaites live in Yevpatoria.

In addition to the Large and Small Kenassas, there is a religious school (midrash), an ethnographic museum and a charity canteen on the territory of the Karaite Kenassa prayer complex. Upon entering the territory of Karaite Kenassas, visitors see the largest Vineyard Courtyard. It is made in the style of arched galleries under the shade of grape trees. Elders of the Karaite community gather here.

Behind the Vineyard Courtyard there are four more courtyards: Marble, Waiting for Prayer, Ritual and Memorial. The architectural ensemble of Karaite kenassas and courtyards was built according to the project of Samuel and Solomon Bobovich in the period from 1804 to 1835. The Great Kenassa was built in 1804-1807. The prayer hall resembles a Catholic church, but Karaite kenassas have their own peculiarities of worship.