Deir el Qamar Synagogue, 17th century synagogue in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon
Deir el Qamar Synagogue is a stone building from the 17th century that combines early Ottoman architectural style with local construction methods. The interior was designed to accommodate a large number of worshippers and features traditional religious architectural elements.
The building was constructed in 1638 during the early Ottoman period and served a Jewish community that had strong connections with local leadership. It became an important meeting place where merchants conducted business and religious observances took place.
The building served as the center of a Jewish community that maintained its own traditions while living among Muslim and Christian neighbors. The layout and decoration reflect how this community adapted to the local setting while preserving its religious practices.
The building is not currently open to the public and has remained closed for several years. Visiting requires advance arrangement through the managing cultural organization.
A military wedding ceremony took place here in 1982, marking one of the last recorded Jewish religious celebrations in the building. This rare event shows how the space remained significant for the community even during difficult periods.
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