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. Now only 100 Jews remained in Baghdad.[6]
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 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.[7][8]
Masuda Synagogue is located behind the Masuda House in the former Jewish quarter of Shorjah.[9] Currently it is surrounded by numerous marketplaces, mosques and churches.[9] It was site a popular bombing incident.[10][9] The synagogue was damaged during the 1950–1951 Baghdad bombings, where Jewish community were targeted.[10] According to historian Avi Shlaim, Israel was behind these attacks, which is also believed by majority of the Iraqis.[10]
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.[11] After the decline of the Jewish community in Iraq, the synagogue is no longer in use.[11] It gained prominence in a controversy in 2011, during the time of Nouri al-Maliki.
The Tomb of the Prophet Hanina (in Hebrew), Hanin (in Arabic) or Shadrach (in Chaldean) is one of the prophets of the Jews. The Tomb of the Prophet Hanina is located in the old Kirkuk Citadel. Next to the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel and the Tomb of the Prophet Ezra.
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