The Museum of the Jews

The Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Il Kal Grandi - Great Temple, or Il Kal Vježu - Old Temple or Old Synagogue) is a part of the Sarajevo Museum located in the former Old Temple, in the oldest synagogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [1] At its session held from 7 to 11 October 2003, the Commission to Preserve National Monuments adopted a decision to designate the Museum of Jews as a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built in 1580 when the beglerbeg Sijavuš-pasha of Rumelia gave money to build a large residential building for the Sephardic Jews, who were expelled from Spain in 1566, came to Sarajevo and brought their customs and one of the most important manuscripts from the 15th century - Sarajevo Haggadah. Construction began on the site of the then Sijavuš-paša daira or Velika avlija. By the end of the 16th century, the first synagogue, the Old Jewish Temple, was built in the area of ​​the Great Court. The building was severely damaged in fires in 1697 and 1788. After numerous difficulties and obtaining permission from the Ottoman authorities to rebuild in 1794, the synagogue was rebuilt in 1821. The last prayer was heard six days after the April occupation of Sarajevo in 1941. During World War II, the synagogue was turned into a prison and then into a warehouse. Since 1966, after restoration, the synagogue has been the Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Documents and movable objects in the museum testify to the life and work of the people who have a significant share in the overall historical picture of Bosnia and Herzegovina.