A community of Jews that emerged in the eighth century CE among Babylonian Jews. The Karaites believed exclusively in the Written Law, that is, the Bible. In the tenth and eleventh centuries they established an important center in Jerusalem.

Persian: Qaravanserai. An inn, in which merchants and travelers could find shelter; also served as post offices. The early khans, and the accommodation of guests, were subsidized by the government.

The direction of Mecca, toward which the worshipper must direct himself in prayer.