Tel Aviv Hosted a Landmark Lecture on the History of Mountain Jews in Azerbaijan

On the initiative of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov, and with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel, a lecture was held at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. The event was dedicated to the 290th anniversary of Krasnaya Sloboda, a unique Jewish settlement in Azerbaijan.

The lecture was delivered by Fuad Akhundov, a prominent researcher of Azerbaijani history and architecture, marking the historian's first and unique presentation in Israel. The event was attended by ambassadors of several nations, members of the diplomatic corps, Knesset officials, Israeli politicians, academics, journalists, and key figures from the Azerbaijani diaspora. Guests also had the opportunity to view a photography exhibition curated by the Museum of Mountain Jews in Krasnaya Sloboda.

Situated in the scenic Quba District of Azerbaijan, Krasnaya Sloboda represents a major hub of Jewish culture in the Caucasus. Its history dates back to the 18th century, established as a collective settlement for Mountain Jews. The community of Krasnaya Sloboda preserves a distinct culture, the Judeo-Tat language (Juhuri), and unique religious traditions. By the 19th century, the settlement had evolved into a key center of Jewish life in the Caucasus, fostering robust trade, craftsmanship, and Jewish education.