Crimean Karaites

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Crimean Karaites (also known as Karaims) are a distinct Turkic-speaking ethnic group that adheres to Karaite Judaism. They primarily reside in Crimea, Ukraine, and Lithuania. The Crimean Karaites have a unique cultural and religious identity that sets them apart from other Jewish communities.

History

The origins of the Crimean Karaites are a subject of scholarly debate. Some historians believe they are descendants of the Khazars, a Turkic people who converted to Judaism in the 8th or 9th century. Others argue that they are descendants of Jewish communities that settled in Crimea during the Byzantine Empire.

Language

The Crimean Karaites speak a dialect of the Karaim language, which belongs to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic languages. The language has been influenced by Hebrew, Arabic, and other languages due to the Karaites' historical interactions with various cultures.

Religion

Crimean Karaites practice Karaite Judaism, a form of Judaism that rejects the Talmud and relies solely on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) as the source of religious law. This distinguishes them from Rabbinic Jews, who follow both the Written and Oral Torah.

Culture

The culture of the Crimean Karaites is a blend of Turkic, Jewish, and local traditions. They have their own unique customs, cuisine, and traditional dress. The community celebrates Jewish holidays such as Passover, Sukkot, and Yom Kippur, but their observances may differ from those of Rabbinic Jews.

Demographics

The population of Crimean Karaites has dwindled over the centuries due to various factors, including assimilation, emigration, and historical events such as the Holocaust. Today, small communities can still be found in Crimea, Ukraine, and Lithuania.

Notable Crimean Karaites

• Avraham Firkovich - A prominent Karaite scholar and collector of ancient manuscripts.
• Seraya Shapshal - A Karaite leader and orientalist who played a significant role in the community's modern history.

Related Pages

• Karaite Judaism
• Khazars
• Karaim language
• Crimea
• Lithuania