The Karaim faith originated in the 8th century in the territory of Mesopotamia, currently Iraq, during the rule of the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur. Karaism or Karaimism accept solely the Old Testament as the only source of religious truth. Anan, son of David (754-775) from Basra is considered as the codifier of Karaim doctrine, the creator of religious norms and rules. The Karaim center of religion later moved from Baghdad to Jerusalem and Constantinople. From there this belief spread further north, reaching the northern shores of the Black Sea, the North Caucasus and the lower Volga, where Khazar Khaganate existed in the 7th-10th centuries. The faith has Islamic elements.
Kenesa or Kenesset is the Karaim house of worship. The first Kenesset in Trakai was built in the beginning of 15th century, it was ruined by fire several times and in 19th century was reconstructed on the same place. In 1894, a new wooden Kenesa was built. In 1903-1904 Kenesa was done up, and did not change visually since then. Kenesa can be observed not only from the exterior, but one can also go in and listen to the story about the history and religion of this small nation, narrated by an old Karaite.
Photo: Füsun Kavrakoğlu, Trakai, Lithuania, 2026.
Kenesas are usually small, rectangular, one or two storeys high, sometimes with a tower. The interior, the walls and ceilings are decorated with plant or geometric ornaments, depictions of people and animals are not allowed. The windows are usually covered with stained-glass.
They use their native language in liturgy. Karaims may pray both individually or in congregation in Kenesa. In both cases it is necessary to wash thoroughly and dress up neatly. All men gather in the main hall. Before climbing up to the gallery, women kneel at the entrance of the main hall facing the altar. Men and women pray separately. It is obligatory for everyone to cover heads in kenesas, the form of the head cover is not strictly defined. The priest, depending on the type of the prayer, prays standing or kneeling, always facing the South where the altar is located.
A virtual tour for Trakai and Vilnius kenesas is available under http://www.karaim.eu/en/kenesas-virtual-tour/
Kenesas, Halina Kobeckaité, Vilnius, 2019.
Information panels of Karaites Ethnographical Exhibition, Trakai, Lithuania.
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