Jewish Quarter (Prague)
Barri judío (Praga)
Jewish Quarter (Prague) — locallly known as “Josefov”, this district was established in the 13th century, since a growing number of Jews were settling into Czech Republic. Its residents endured waves of anti-Semitism over time (including a pogrom in 1389). One period of tolerance granted to its residents was in 1781 — when Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II ordered their emancipation (this act resulted in the district being re-named “Josefstadt” — Joseph’s City, in 1850). That act permitted local Jews to reside in areas outside this area (which resulted in only the very poor and orthodox remaining there). With Prague going through a wave of urban planning (modeling the city after Paris) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of this district was destroyed — with only six synagogues, the old cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall remaining.