CARAITES. - In the 9th century, under the impulse of Binjá-mín da Naháwend, the Jewish sect that separated from traditional rabbinism designated its adherents with the significant appellation of Béná Miqrá (= "sons of the Bible"), which later transformed into qárá't'm, i.e., "biblists." The origins of this sect are obscure; generally, given the doctrinal affinity, it is believed to derive from ancient Sadduceeism. Indeed, it agrees with the latter in rejecting oral tradition and in its tenacious attachment to the letter.
The movement is traced back to 'Anán ben Dávidh of Baghdad (8th century), and some see in it a repercussion of the Islamic schism, then constituted, between Sunnis and Shiites. Initially, the Karaites were strongly opposed by traditional rabbinism. Soon they lost almost all authority in Babylonia; but they spread elsewhere, especially in Palestine. In the 9th-12th centuries, the Karaites constituted a homogeneous and powerful organization, having spread to all countries along the Mediterranean, as far as Spain, although their main center was Egypt and, in general, the Arabic-speaking countries. Notable scholars of this period include Salomone ben Jeruáám (885-960), Giuseppe ben Abhrááh Maroéh (910-930), and Giuda ben Elia Hadassi (1075-1160). Later, the Karaites were found especially in Greece, Constantinople, Crimea, and Russia. Notable scholars include Aronne ben Elia (1300-1360) and Elia ben Mosè Bašjazi (14th century).
Subsequently, the Karaites steadily declined, as their adherents converted to Orthodox Judaism or Islam. In the last century, Abhrááh Firkowitsch (1786-1874) attempted to revive the Karaites, particularly in Crimea. Through extensive research and forgeries, he illustrated the history of this sect, obtaining official recognition from the Russian government. Before recent political events, there were approximately 12,000 Karaites, most of them in Russia (about 10,000).