4. Bandza

Bandza

Attraction
SITE OVERVIEW

Bandza is a village located in the western part of Georgia, in the municipality of Martvili, where in the second half of the 18th century Jewish people started to live. The first sources, where we hear about the place date back to 1639-1640 years. In the 18th century the place used to be one of the leading ones; the lord named Phagava brought Jewish Savdagori’s family to solidify the village economically; after this more Jews started inhabiting the area and they created a community. At the beginning of the 20th century Jews built a synagogue in the Jewish district of Bandza. There is also Jewish cemetery near the synagogue. The synagogue is inactive today but many Jewish people visit it very often.

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Nearby Sites

Sites

Sepiashvili Synagogue in Bandza

The Bandza Synagogue was built in the beginning of the 20th century and nowadays the Synagogue is inactive, since most of the Jews had immigrated to Israel. The Synagogue is located in the Jewish Quarter in the village. The Synagogue, which is built in a Neo-Romanesque style, is constructed of stone and it has two floors. The condition of the synagogue is poor, due to lack of care it is receiving.
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Synagogue in Sujuna

Synagogue in Sujuna was built in the 60s of the 19th century and is made of stone. The synagogue has a supervisor, who is a local resident and he voluntarily takes care of this area.
Sites

Village of Sujuna

Sujuna, a village in Abasha municipality, is located on the bank of the river Abasha. Georgian Jews have been compactly living in Sujuna since the 18th century. During the ruling of David Dadiani Sujuna became one of the centers for trade. The last Jew living in Sujuna passed away in 2000, but Jews still visit the synagogue annually and have a good relationship with the people living in the village. Along with the Synagogue, there is also a graveyard in Sujuna.
Sites

Bandza Jewish Cemetery

The Jewish Graveyard in Bandza was opened in the 18th century. Even though it is currently inactive, it is well-groomed and fenced. Local residents are supervising the maintenance of the cemetery. People come from Israel to visit the graves of their ancestors from time to time.
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