01/11/2025
Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, Kerala is a historic area renowned for its Jewish heritage. The heart of this heritage is Jew Town, also known as Jew Street, located between Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. This street is famous for its spice trade, handicrafts, and antique shops. The only international pepper stock exchange in the world still functions in Jew Town.
History of Kochi's Jewish settlements
A group of Jews shifted their trade and settlements to Kochi after fleeing Muziris (an ancient port near Kodungallur) due to a flood in 1341. It is said that in 1524, the king of Kochi granted land to the Jews in Mattancherry next to his palace and this area later became Jew Town. The word 'mattan' is derived from a Hebrew word meaning donation and 'cherry' in Malayalam means settlement. After Spanish and Portuguese conquests, Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, came together to form the second community of Paradesi Jews.
The Jews, divided into Paradesi (foreign) and Malabari (local) groups, maintained distinct traditions and synagogues. With the formation of the State of Israel in 1948, many Jews migrated to Israel, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy in Jew Town. Today, only a few Jews remain, but Jew Street continues to attract visitors seeking a glimpse into its past.
Synagogues in Jew Street
The Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, is a major tourist attraction. Nearby, about 150 meters south of the Paradesi Synagogue, one can find a synagogue of the Malabari Jews, originally called the Kadavumbhagam Mattancherry Synagogue. The Jewish cemetery of the Paradesi Jews also reflects the community's long-standing presence.
Antique Shops
Jew Town's antique shops offer a treasure trove of items like jewelry, wooden carvings, oil lamps, spice boxes, antique pieces and books. 'Vaarpu' a large bronze vessel which is around 3 meters in diameter is one of the main attractions of this place. Other items like vintage photographs, Chinese urns, door frames, and glass and ceramic products are also on display here. The street itself has colonial-era buildings that add to its charm.
