whether they were open or closed
'fueran' is the past (imperfect) subjunctive of the verb 'ser'
when you use a verb in the subjunctive (either present or past) followed by two options, it can mean 'whether'
Examples:
Seas de aquí o de otro país, hay que seguir las leyes de este país.
Whether you are from here or another country, you must obey the laws of this country.
Seas blanco o seas negro, estás bienvenido aquí.
Whether you are white or black, you are welcome here.
Fueras rico o pobre, yo te hubiera querido igual.
Whether you were rich or poor, I would have loved you the same.
Ya does not mean whether, but in this case ya +fueran function together as whether