Racqy Synagogue

In this article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Racqy Synagogue. From its origins and evolution to its relevance in today's society, we will explore all the aspects that make Racqy Synagogue a topic of interest and debate. We will learn about its different facets, its impact on our lives and its influence in the cultural and social sphere. Through a detailed analysis and a deep look, we will discover everything that Racqy Synagogue has to offer and how it has marked a before and after in history. Get ready to immerse yourself in this exciting journey and discover all the facets that make Racqy Synagogue a theme worth exploring.

Racqy Synagogue
Religion
AffiliationJudaism (former)
Ecclesiastical or organisational statusSynagogue
(19th century–1940s)
StatusAbandoned
Location
LocationMuhammed Samir Darwish Street, Jewish Quarter, Old City, Damascus
CountrySyria
Racqy Synagogue is located in Damascus
Racqy Synagogue
Location of the former synagogue in Damascus
Geographic coordinates33°30′26″N 36°18′45″E / 33.507095°N 36.312407°E / 33.507095; 36.312407
Architecture
Completed19th century
MaterialsBasalt stone; timber

The Racqy Synagogue (Arabic: كنيس الراكي; Hebrew: אל ראקי) is a former Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Damascus, in Syria. The synagogue was completed in the second half of the 19th century.

Location

The Racqy Synagogue is located in the Old City of Damascus on the east side of Muhammed Samir Darwish Street (Arabic: شارع محمد سمير درویش) approximately 20 m (66 ft) south of Talat al-Hidjara Street and 40 m (130 ft) north of the Red Mosque.[1]

History

The synagogue was completed in the second half of the 19th century. During the early 20th century, it was one of many synagogues in operation in the city.[2] Following pogroms in Syria, in the 1940s, such as the 1949 Menarsha synagogue attack, following the establishment of the State of Israel, most of the Jews of Damascus left the country, followed by another wave in 1992 when Hafez al-Assad's government allowed emigration out of the country.[1] Very few Jews remained, and the synagogue became abandoned.[3]

Architecture

Similar to the other Damascan synagogues, the Racqy Synagogue has a rectangular floor plan and is constructed from basalt stones. As customary in the city, it is decorated with black and white tiles.[1] The soft-pointed arches rest on bright cyllindrical columns. The ceiling is made from traditional poplar wood.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Al-Racqy Synagogue". www.lovedamascus.com. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  2. ^ "Jewish Quarter (Harat Al-Yahud) at Damascus, Syria". archive.diarna.org. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  3. ^ England, Andrew (May 19, 2010). "Damascus gives old Jewish quarter new life". Financial Times. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  4. ^ Blitz, Adam (January 17, 2014). "The case for Jobar: Syria, synagogues and subterfuge". Times of Israel. Retrieved January 8, 2024.