Above are some of the last of Lithuania's 'Karaimi' celebrating 600 years of their community in nearby Trakai. There are less than 300 Karaimi left in Lithuania, but they continue to cultivate their traditions with pride. Originally settled by Grand Duke Vytautas back in 1397, the Karaimi are of Crimean descent. However, their religion follows the Old Testament, excluding commentaries such as The Talmud, The Koran or indeed the New Testament. The Vilnius 'kenesa' is the youngest such house of worship in Lithuania, begun in 1911. It's a stunning relic - above all a living one - of the dwindling Karaite world.
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