Karaite Kenesa

The Berdyansk Kenesa was built around 1899 on the site of the old Kenesa, on the initiative and with the active participation of Pangulov brothers, Ivan Aivaz and Boris Babay. In its architecture, the Kenesa is considered one of the most interesting buildings in the city.

At the end of the nineteenth century, more than 100 Karaite families, the Turkic-speaking adherents of Karaimism (a religious movement based on the texts of the Old Testament), lived in Berdyansk.

  Back in the mid-nineteenth century, the Karaite synagogue was built with the community's funds, and in 1899 a new kenassa prayer house appeared on this site. It was built in the Moorish style. In the 20-ies of the 19th century, the kenassa was closed, and its property was sold. Today, attempts are being made to restore the building to its religious purpose.