Manuscript, Chadashim LaBkarim – poems and supplications of “Shirat HaMaftirim” [Maftirim Poem] heritage [Turkey, 18th century?].
Shirat HaMarftirim is the custom of singing poems and supplications by “Maftirim” choirs, in a classical Turkish musical style. The custom was established throughout the congregations of Turkey by Rabbi Avtalion son of Rabbi Mordechai Dweck, prominent disciple of Rabbi Yisrael Najara. The many songs of Rabbi Avtalion were collected and survived with few manuscripts, as this one [see attached material].
Apart from songs by Rabbi Avtalion the manuscript contains songs and poems by additional poets, including his rabbi, Rabbi Yisrael Najara, Rabbi Yehuda Abas, Aharon [son of Yitzchak Hamon], Moshe [Parou?] and others. Above each song a title was added with details pertaining to the Turkish, Arabic or Spanish melody which the poem is based upon, along with the Maqam, and symbol of the poet.
Margins of one of leaves contains curly Oriental signature: “---Kastoriado”.
Approx. 150 written pages. 19 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains and tears [damage to text in several places].