Synagogue karaïte Anan Ben David, Karaite synagogue in Old City, Israel
This Karaite synagogue sits several meters below street level with a rectangular layout divided into two sections by supporting pillars. The interior features cross-ribbed vaulting that spans overhead, creating a distinctive architectural space for worship and prayer.
This structure was built during the Mamluk period and sustained severe damage in the 1948 War of Independence. A major restoration project between 1967 and 1982 repaired the building and made it accessible again.
The space reflects Karaite practice through its physical layout and furnishings that visitors can observe while touring. The Torah niches on the eastern wall and the partition dividing the prayer area show how this Jewish tradition shapes the way people worship and gather together.
This subterranean site requires sturdy footwear and careful navigation on staircases to access the main chamber safely. You can walk through the adjacent museum freely, though the primary prayer space can only be viewed through a small opening.
The subterranean placement reflects a Karaite tradition rooted in a biblical reference to calling upon God from the depths. This choice connects the physical location directly to spiritual meanings that hold significance for this community.
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