Named after its founders’ place of origin, the Yanbol Synagogue was founded by Jews who migrated from the town of Yanbol (Bulg. Yambol) in Bulgaria and settled in Balat. A firman dated May 21, 1693, as well as ancient buildings in the synagogue’s courtyard, imply that the synagogue was in existence during the Byzantine period. It has been in continuous daily use for more than five centuries.

The Yanbol Synagogue is built of brick and has been repaired many times. The ceiling of the main building is embellished with oil paintings on subjects drawn from nature. The ehal (Heb. hekhal, ark) has d…