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List of Jewish sites in Iraq

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Old homes Jewish homes in Baghdad

According to a study, Jewish sites in Iraq include, over 250 synagogues, 48 Jewish schools, nine sanctuaries and five cemeteries.[1] Most of them were abandoned and left in ruins between 1941 and 1951 when Jews were persecuted.[2][3] These sites were well protected during the regime of Saddam Hussein. However, the situation deteriorated, after the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Before the Jewish exodus, Iraq was home to one of the largest and oldest Jewish communities in the Middle East. Most of them lived in Baghdad, followed by Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk, Tikrit and other major cities. A significant community of Kurdish Jews also existed in Erbil. After Israel and Palestine, Iraq is home to next number of Jewish sites in the world, along with Syria. History of some of these sites dates back to more than thousand years.

Baghdad

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Main articles: Baghdadi Jews and History of the Jews in Baghdad
The Meir Taweig Synagogue
Former Jewish quarter of Shorjah

Baghdad had the highest concentration of the Iraqi Jewish population. Before the persecution, the city was home to 60 synagogues, schools, hospitals, and health clinics, which were owned by Jews. The number of functioning synagogues decreased as the Jewish population dwindled. By the 1970s, only few synagogues remained in Baghdad, which were in a good state. However, many were abandoned, as not enough Jews were to hold services in all those synagogues.

  • Meir Taweig Synagogue was built in 1942, and named after Iraqi businessman Meir Taweig. The synagogue is noted for its ornate style of architecture. It contains of a large library, a community center and a Jewish school. During the 1940s, it was used as a registration center for Jews who fled Iraq. The synagogue was restored and expanded during the regime of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in 1988. Today it is the only active synagogue, which is under the care of a small group of Jews.
  • Sheykh Yitzhak Tomb & Synagogue is named after Ishaq al-Ghaouni. He was a Jewish rabbi and financial accountant of Imam Ali. In 1931, the synagogue was attached to the Masouda Salman School. After the emigration of the Jews from Iraq, the care of the shrine was transferred to the local Muslims. Over time, this shrine was neglected and turned into a hole surrounded by dirt and waste, and surrounded by candles and plastic flowers placed by some Muslim visitors who seek blessings from the shrine by placing henna on the door of the grave.[4]
  • Masuda Synagogue is located behind the Masuda House in the former Jewish quarter of Shorjah.[5] Currently it is surrounded by numerous marketplaces, mosques and churches.[5] It was site a popular bombing incident.[6][5] The synagogue was damaged during the 1950–1951 Baghdad bombings, where Jewish community were targeted.[6] According to historian Avi Shlaim, Israel was behind these attacks, which is also believed by majority of the Iraqis.
  • Farha Synagogue is located near to the Firdos Square on the main of the historic Jewish quarter of Shorjah. It was named after Farha Sassoon, wife David Sassoon, who belonged to a notable Jewish family of Baghdad.[7] After the decline of the Jewish community in Iraq, the synagogue is no longer in use.[7] It gained prominence in a controversy in 2011, during the time of Nouri al-Maliki.
  • Masuda Shemtov Synagogue[8]
  • Tomb of the High Priest Joshua
  • Mas’udah Shamtoub Synagogue
  • Great Synagogue of Baghdad is the oldest synagogue in Baghdad.

Basra

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  • Tweig Synagogue
  • Azizia Synagogue[9]
  • El-Asar Synagogue[10]

Mosul

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  • Attiah Synagogue
  • Ahmadeya Synagogue
  • Shrine of Nahum
  • Shrine of Jonah
  • Sassoon Synagogue[11]

Kirkuk

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  • The tomb of Daniel
  • The shrine of Hanina
  • The shrine of Ezra

Hillah

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  • Hillah Synagogue[12]
  • David Sassoon Synagogue[12]

Other sites

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Cemeteries

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Institutions

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Baghdad

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Sites

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Baghdad

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ancient heritage of Iraq's last few Jews at risk as synagogues fall into ruin". The Times of Israel.
  2. ^ "Jewish Baghdad | World Jewish Travel". Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  3. ^ "Reclaiming Iraq's Jewish Heritage | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  4. ^ "Sheykh Yitzhak Tomb & Synagogue at Baghdad, Iraq | Archive | Diarna.org". archive.diarna.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  5. ^ a b c "Masuda Synagogue at Baghdad, Iraq | Archive | Diarna.org". archive.diarna.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  6. ^ a b "المالكي والحكيم وتفجير كنيس مسعودة". Al Quds.
  7. ^ a b "Farha Synagogue at Baghdad, Iraq | Archive | Diarna.org". archive.diarna.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  8. ^ "Avi Shlaim says he has 'proof of Zionist involvement' in 1950s attack on Iraqi Jews". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  9. ^ "Aziza Synagogue, Basra, Iraq | Archive | Diarna.org". archive.diarna.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  10. ^ admin (2009-03-15). "Iraq - Basra Residents Willing to Pay to Restore the Last Remaining Shul - VINnews". Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  11. ^ www.dangoor.com http://www.dangoor.com/issue76/articles/76075.htm. Retrieved 2024-09-30. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. ^ a b "The Sassoons' Return Visit to Baghdad". www.dangoor.com. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  13. ^ admin (2008-09-28). "Iraq - Cleaning Up of Jewish Cemetery in Basra - VINnews". Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  14. ^ Hakhmei Bavel, Hebrew; Yeshivath Hod Yosef Publishing House, ppg. 229-230
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