Grand Mufti of the Polish Muslims Jakub Szynkiewicz (1884-1966) and his Connections with the Karaites

Jakub Szynkiewicz lived in a very difficult time and had to make decisions that were oftentimes crucial motives effects of which cannot be judged easily. During the Second World War, he was surely faced with hopeless situations when responsible for not only himself his whole family but also Muslim community care entrusted him. For Karaitologists, relations Karaite are significance during interwar period turbulent years War. The p eriod between War I II should considered as most important one life. Between 1926-1939, Szynkiewicz, Mufti Republic Poland, spiritual leader 19 communities congregating approx. 6 thousand faithful. Thanks personal efforts, Mosque Building Committee Warsaw created (1928), bill on relationship state Religious Association Poland its statute passed (1936), First Congress organized (1938). At same time, conducted scientific research, too. It resulted numerous publications Polish popularized knowledge reach history culture world. He active international arena, visiting Bulgaria, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Palestine, Syria, Turkey. those journeys, tried, among others, raise funds construction mosque Warsaw. His ambitious plans development entirely shattered outbreak WWII.