# Bet Tfila – Forschungsstelle für jüdische Architektur in Europa
**Wikidata**: [Q128776126](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128776126)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bet-tfila-forschungsstelle-fur-judische-architektur-in-europa

## Summary
Bet Tfila – Forschungsstelle für jüdische Architektur in Europa is a research institute founded in 2001 that serves as a dedicated organization for the systematic investigation of Jewish architecture in Europe. As a specialized entity, its primary purpose is to generate new knowledge in its field, operating independently of teaching obligations or policy-focused advocacy. The institute is recognized by major library authorities and maintains a digital presence centered on a German-language website.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 2001
- **Classification:** Research institute (instance of `research institute`)
- **Primary Focus:** Jewish architecture in Europe (implied by entity name)
- **Official Website:** http://www.bet-tfila.org/ (German language)
- **ISNI:** 0000000106792182
- **GND ID (German National Library):** 10107721-X
- **VIAF ID:** 121923144
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no2007158449
- **Wikimedia Commons Category:** Bet Tfila
- **Sitelink Count:** 1
- **Structured Data Type:** Mapped to schema.org/ResearchOrganization
- **Geonames Feature Code:** S.ITTR

## FAQs
**Q: When was Bet Tfila established?**
A: Bet Tfila was founded in 2001, marking the inception of its operations as a research entity.

**Q: What is the primary function of Bet Tfila?**
A: The organization functions as a research institute, meaning its sole purpose is to conduct research and generate new knowledge rather than teach students or influence public policy.

**Q: How can Bet Tfila be identified in library and academic databases?**
A: The entity is indexed under multiple unique identifiers, including the Library of Congress Authority ID `no2007158449`, the German National Library GND ID `10107721-X`, and the ISNI `0000000106792182`.

**Q: Is Bet Tfila a university?**
A: No, unlike universities which combine teaching and research, Bet Tfila is exclusively a research institute and does not grant degrees or provide undergraduate education.

**Q: Where is Bet Tfila's online content available?**
A: The institute maintains a website at http://www.bet-tfila.org/, and its media and resources are categorized under "Bet Tfila" on Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
As a research institute, Bet Tfila provides critical infrastructure for advancing the understanding of Jewish architecture in Europe without the distractions of teaching or commercial obligations. By concentrating resources and talent purely on investigation, the organization accelerates the discovery and documentation of architectural heritage that might otherwise be neglected. It serves as a dedicated space where scholars can pursue long-term, specialized research that may not fit within standard university timelines. In the context of preserving cultural history, such institutes are essential for generating the fundamental knowledge required to understand and maintain the physical legacy of European Jewish communities.

## Notable For
- **Dedicated Research Focus:** Operates exclusively as a research institute, distinct from hybrid organizations like universities or policy-driven think tanks.
- **Cross-System Identification:** Recognized by a wide array of international library standards, including ISNI, GND, VIAF, and Library of Congress IDs.
- **Digital Archiving:** Maintains a specific presence on Wikimedia Commons, facilitating the open sharing of visual and digital resources related to its mission.
- **Longevity:** Has been active since its inception in 2001, providing sustained focus on its architectural mandate.
- **Structured Data Integration:** Fully mapped to semantic web standards like schema.org/ResearchOrganization, enhancing its discoverability in digital systems.

## Body

### Organizational Classification
Bet Tfila – Forschungsstelle für jüdische Architektur in Europa is formally defined as a research institute. This classification places it within a specific category of organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of research. Unlike universities that balance a dual mission of teaching and research, or companies that pursue research for commercial profit, Bet Tfila exists specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. It is distinct from scientific societies and learned societies, which are typically membership-based, and differs from think tanks by focusing on fundamental inquiry rather than policy-oriented advocacy.

### Identification and Authority Records
The entity is rigorously cataloged within global knowledge organization systems to ensure distinct identification across library networks. It is assigned the Library of Congress authority ID `no2007158449`. In the German National Library, it is registered under the GND ID `10107721-X`. Further interoperability is provided through the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) `0000000106792182` and the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) ID `121923144`. For geographic and structured data purposes, it utilizes the Geonames feature code `S.ITTR` and is mapped to the schema.org class `ResearchOrganization`.

### History and Establishment
The institute was established in the year 2001. This date marks the formal beginning of its activities as a standalone entity dedicated to its specific field of study. Since its inception, it has maintained a continuous operational presence focused on its research mandate.

### Digital Presence and Language
Bet Tfila maintains an official web presence at `http://www.bet-tfila.org/`. The content on this website is primarily in the German language, as indicated by metadata associated with the site. In addition to its primary website, the organization has a footprint in the Wikimedia ecosystem, specifically within Wikimedia Commons where a category titled "Bet Tfila" hosts related media. Currently, the entity has a recorded sitelink count of 1, reflecting its specific integration into wiki-based knowledge platforms.

### Role in the Research Landscape
By operating as a pure research institute, Bet Tfila contributes to the broader landscape of knowledge generation by freeing its resources from the teaching obligations that often divide the attention of university researchers. This model allows the organization to tackle complex, long-term projects related to Jewish architecture in Europe. The structured nature of the organization, supported by its various authority IDs, ensures that its research outputs are permanently linked to its corporate identity within the global scholarly record.

## References

1. Library of Congress Authorities
2. [Source](http://www.bet-tfila.org/de/u-unit_00.html)