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Mountain Jews Museum: A Cultural Bridge in Red Village

Discover the unique heritage of the Mountain Jews at the world's only museum dedicated to their history and culture in Azerbaijan's Red Village.

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The Mountain Jews Museum, located in the Red Village (Qırmızı Qəsəbə) of Azerbaijan, offers a unique glimpse into the history, traditions, and culture of the Mountain Jewish community. Housed in a restored early 20th-century synagogue, the museum showcases the heritage of this unique group that has thrived in the Caucasus for centuries.

A brief summary to Mountain Jews Museum

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience exploring the museum's exhibits.
  • Engage with the museum staff; they are a wealth of knowledge about Mountain Jewish history and culture and can provide valuable insights.
  • Explore Red Village beyond the museum; wander through the streets, admire the architecture, and visit the local synagogues for a deeper immersion into the community’s way of life.
  • Consider arranging a meal featuring Mountain Jewish cuisine for an authentic culinary experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mountain Jews Museum is located at 7 улица Рашбиля Захарьяева in Red Village. From the center of Red Village, the museum is easily accessible on foot. Walking allows you to appreciate the unique architecture and atmosphere of the village. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Mountain Jews Museum from Quba city center, you can take a local bus or taxi to Red Village. From Baku, buses to Quba depart regularly from the Baku International Bus Terminal. The bus journey from Baku to Quba takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 2-4 AZN. Upon arrival in Quba, you can take a taxi or another local bus to Red Village, which is a short 15-20 minute ride. The taxi from Quba to Red Village should cost around 5-10 AZN.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Quba and Red Village. A taxi ride from Quba city center to the Mountain Jews Museum in Red Village typically takes around 15-20 minutes. It should cost approximately 5-10 AZN. Be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxi services like Bolt and Yango may also be available.

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Discover more about Mountain Jews Museum

Nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the Mountain Jews Museum stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a unique community. Located in Red Village, also known as Krasnaya Sloboda or Girmizi Gasaba, the museum provides a window into the world of the Mountain Jews, also known as Gorsky Jews, who have called this region home for centuries. Red Village is believed to be the world's last surviving shtetl. The museum itself is housed in the beautifully restored Karchogi Synagogue, which dates back to the early 20th century. During the Soviet era, the synagogue was closed and repurposed as a warehouse before being restored to its former glory and reopened as a museum. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, historical documents, photographs, and traditional clothing that vividly portray the Mountain Jews' rich heritage. The museum's collection tells the story of the Mountain Jews, tracing their origins back to ancient Persia and their migration to the Caucasus. It highlights their unique Juhuri language, a blend of Persian, Hebrew, and other regional influences, which has been vital in preserving their cultural identity. One of the prized artifacts is the “Slashed Book,” a centuries-old Torah used by a local rabbi to ward off an Iranian general's sword, symbolizing a turning point in interfaith relations. The museum also aspires to create the world's largest Juhuri library to safeguard the Mountain Jews' unique Persian dialect. Beyond the exhibits, the Mountain Jews Museum serves as a space for interethnic and inter-religious dialogue, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the Mountain Jewish culture. Travelers can also arrange tours to visit the still-working Six Dome and Gilaki synagogues, a mikvah, and cemeteries. By advance request, the museum can also arrange a meal featuring Mountain Jewish specialties.

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