What is a Nakos?

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"Nakos" is the Arabic name of the Semandron, a traditional medieval tool in Eastern Christianity used to summon the faithfull for liturgical services and prayers.

It was in developed in the Middle Ages in the Muslim controlled areas, as a substitute to Bell towers, which were forbidden by the Muslim authorities. In the holy land bell towers were allowed from the 19th century and on, yet some orders still use the Nakos, such as the Greek-Orthodox at the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The  Nakos exists until this day in many churches in Jerusalem, one of the most famous being the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Christian Quarter of the Old City.  Today, the Nakos is used to call priests to prayer.Iron Nakos in St. James Church

Nakos in the Armenian Quarter - St. James