Exploring Kolkata’s Unique Synagogues Maintained by Muslims

In an inspiring display of interfaith harmony, Kolkata is home to historic synagogues that were once the heart of a vibrant Baghdadi Jewish community. These architectural gems, now lovingly maintained by local Muslim caretakers, highlight a unique aspect of the city’s multicultural heritage.

Content creator Sam Dalrymple recently shared captivating images of these synagogues on Instagram, emphasizing their historical significance. He noted, “There has perhaps never been a more important moment to remember the sacred spaces shared peacefully by both Muslims and Jews.”

During its peak in the 19th century, Kolkata was a bustling hub for over 5,000 Jews, facilitating trade across Asia. Today, only 17 Jews remain, yet their legacy lives on through the dedication of the Muslim community.

Architectural Marvels

The synagogues, such as Maghen David and Beth El, showcase a blend of Middle Eastern and Victorian architectural styles, resembling grand cathedrals with their red-brick facades and towering spires.

Inside, you’ll find high-Victorian elegance featuring marble plaques and intricately painted iron columns, providing spacious, light-filled interiors adorned with black-and-white marble checkerboard tiles.

Symbols of Faith and Community

The synagogues' decor reflects a rich history, with the Hekhal (Ark) often located in a semi-circular apse, painted to represent the heavens. Notably, a yellow-glazed Chinese ceramic jar symbolizes the vast trading empire once held by the Baghdadi Jews.

Intricate Hebrew inscriptions decorate the archways, and practical elements like ceiling fans help combat Kolkata's heat, showcasing a blend of sacred and functional design.

A Jewel of a Legacy

Sam highlighted the community's illustrious past, beginning with Shalom Obadiah Cohen, a renowned Aleppo-born jeweler who significantly impacted Kolkata’s history. As trade routes shifted, the survival of these synagogues stands as a testament to a social contract between communities.

As Sam poignantly noted, while the Jewish population has dwindled, it is the Muslim community that has stepped up to preserve these sacred spaces, ensuring that the synagogues remain a testament to the city’s shared heritage.