Aden's Jewish Community
In 1835 when Haines first visited Aden the total population was estimated at a mere 800 souls, 250-300 of whom were Jews. Haines returned in 1837 and 1838 and submitted to the Indian Government that the population was 600, comprising 300 Arabs, 250 Jews and 50 Banyans.
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But the British presence in Aden was quick to attract immigrants and change the character of the town. A mere six weeks after the 1839 occupation of Aden the population of Jews comprised 267 males and 301 females. By September the same year there were another 46 males and 6 females.
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The Prince of Wales, visits the Jewish Adanim* Community in 1921and is received by Banin Menahem Moshe, the 2nd President of the Jewish community. Pictured In front of the Jewish Boys School, which was later burnt in the 1947 riots.
Normally one would expect a higher proportion of males during a period of rapid immigration but the reverse situation can be most likely attributed to the relatively short distance travelled by the Jews from the interior, accompanied with little inconvenience by their wives and daughters.
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By 1872 the Jewish population was 2,000 and by 1916 it has risen to 3,700. Many of the immigrants during this period had come from the Yemen port of Mukka to escape the oppressive regime of the Imam of Yemen.
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During the period of Aden's settlement by the British in 1839, and at least up to 1872, the Jewish community was located entirely in an area known as Bazaar No. 2. in the Crater district. This quarter was 600 metres long by 500 metres broad, and had seven streets, each more than 500 metres in length. Here, all the Jews and almost all the rich Europeans lived; money-lenders, contractors, Parsi and Borah shopkeepers and Banyan and Arab wholesalers trading in precious stones, coffee, spices, gums etc.
The Great Synagogue 'Magen Avraham'
By the early 20th century the Jewish Quarter, as it became known, comprised four main streets called Street 1, Street 2, Street 3 and Street 4. However, they became known as Chaphat Al-Hamra (Red Street - later King Solomon Street), Chaphat Banin, Chaphat Al-Chobz (Bread Street, after the many bakers there) and Chaphat Al-Mullah. Up until 1940 a fifth street, Chaphat Zafaran was also occupied by Jews. Jewish life would rarely extend past the confines of this small district in Crater.
In 1921 when the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) visited Aden he wished to meet the current President of the community, Banin Menahem Moshe. However, as it was on the Sabbath the President was unable to travel the 5 miles from his home in Crater to the port in Steamer Point. The Prince thus met him in Crater outside the Jewish Boy's School.
There were up to 10 synagogues in Aden, the largest being 'Magen Avraham', and known as 'the Great Synagogue', which was built on the site of an earlier synagogue dating to 1856. It was considered one of the most magnificent in the world, with room for 1,000. The image above gives an idea of it's size whilst the panoramic picture below provides an indication of it's splendour.
Most men would pray daily but on the Sabbath they all attended synagogue, the focal point of the community. No movement of cars would be seen on the streets in the Jewish quarter and no Jewish shops or businesses in Crater or Steamer Point would be found open. It was not usual for women to attend the synagogue, but for those married women who did, a mikveh (ritual bath) was attached to the synagogue for their use.
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Also attached to the synagogue was a 'Beth Hamedrash' (house of study) and the first and only Hebrew printing press founded by Menachem Awwad (Howard) in 1891. Those who collect Aden postcards will be familiar with seeing the name M. Howard printed as copyright owner on the cards.
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* Adanim are the Jewish people of Aden. Adan is another form of the word Aden.
Interior of The Great Synagogue