Bukharan Jews

File:Bukharian Jews celebrating in Rego Park.jpg

Bukharan Jews are a Jewish ethno-religious group from Central Asia, primarily from the region of Bukhara, which is now part of Uzbekistan. They are one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, with a history that dates back over a millennium.

History

The history of Bukharan Jews can be traced back to the times of the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE. Over the centuries, they settled in various parts of Central Asia, including Samarkand, Tashkent, and Bukhara. The community flourished under the Samanid Empire and later under the Timurid Empire, where they enjoyed relative autonomy and prosperity.

During the 19th century, the region came under the control of the Russian Empire, which brought significant changes to the Bukharan Jewish community. The Soviet Union's anti-religious policies in the 20th century led to the suppression of Jewish religious practices and the closure of synagogues.

Culture

Bukharan Jews have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, cuisine, and language. They speak a dialect of Persian known as Bukhori, which incorporates elements of Hebrew and local languages.

Cuisine

Bukharan Jewish cuisine is known for its distinctive flavors and dishes, such as plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables), samsa (a type of pastry filled with meat), and baklava (a sweet pastry). These dishes reflect the culinary influences of the Central Asian region.

Music and Dance

Music and dance play an important role in Bukharan Jewish culture. Traditional music often features instruments like the dutar and the doira, and dances are performed at weddings and other celebrations.

Religion

Bukharan Jews follow Judaism, and their religious practices are influenced by both Sephardic and Mizrahi traditions. They observe Jewish holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, and maintain customs unique to their community.

Migration

In the late 20th century, many Bukharan Jews emigrated to Israel, the United States, and other countries due to political and economic instability in Central Asia. Today, significant Bukharan Jewish communities can be found in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv.

Notable Bukharan Jews

• Lev Leviev - A prominent businessman and philanthropist.
• Yosef Maimon - A rabbi and scholar who played a significant role in the community.

See also

• History of the Jews in Central Asia
• Sephardic Jews
• Mizrahi Jews
• Bukhara