The tradition of facing the east in prayer is a long one. While the belief is widespread, there are some misconceptions about it that should be clarified. The Tradition in Judaism There is a common belief that Jews pray to the east. There is nothing that says this is so. What Jews are asked to do is to face the direction of where the temple once stood in Jerusalem. This temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD70 following the Jewish rebellion. After that period, the Jews were scattered around Europe. The geographical location meant that when they prayed towards the temple, they had to face the east. This is where the idea of facing the east in prayer probably originated. But for those living in Turkey and near it, they must look west to face the temple. So while it is true that a lot of...