Jewish Bukhara | World Jewish Travel

Jewish city story of Bukhara

Bukhara is an ancient city in the central Asian country of Uzbekistan. It was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval center for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

Though the community has decreased significantly over the years, the city of Jewish Bukhara once had a thriving Jewish population. The Bukharan Jews are considered one of the oldest ethno-religious groups of Central Asia and over the years they have developed their own distinct culture. Throughout the years, Jews from other Eastern countries such as Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Morocco migrated into Central Asia (by way of the Silk Road).

While some Bukharan Jews relate their own ancestry to the period of the Assyrian captivity and exiles from the tribes...

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Mizrahi and Sephardi Jewish Tour of Uzbekistan

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Hotel Malika Bukhara

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Kabir Kosher Food

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Bukhara Synagogue

The oldest part of the synagogue was called "Kanisa Mulla Mani", that is, the synagogue named after Mulla Mani. Mullah Mani is a venerable Jew who was a foreman in this synagogue in the 20s of the 20th century. Before the construction of the first synagogue, Jews prayed in the same room with Muslims in a mosque called "Mahak-i Attari." According to one version, Jews prayed with Muslims at the same time, but in different corners. According to another, Jews came there only at the end of Muslim prayers. This can explain the custom, which exists among Bukharian Jews, to end the morning prayer with the words "Shalom Aleihom." There is a version that the resettlement of Jews in the Jewish quarter is associated with the construction of a synagogue. Before the construction of the synagogue, Jews lived near today's Lyabi-Khauz, at a local Bazaar market. In an effort to concentrate around the prayer house, they gradually moved to this quarter, where a synagogue was built, so that not a single Jewish family remained in the Bazaar. According to another version, the Jews have been living in Jewish Mahallah since the time of their resettlement from the central regions of Persia. They say that this area was occupied by Muslims, and when it was empty, the quarters located here began to collapse, and the ruler of Bukhara gave this place to the Jews who came from Jerusalem in the interests of trade. The synagogue, in the Mahalli Kukhma quarter, with a 300-year history, was closed by the Soviet authorities in 1940. And only in 1945, at the insistent request of the population, the former building of the synagogue was returned to the Jewish community, which functions to this day. Image attribution: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Old Jewish Mahalla

The Old Jewish Mahalla, Bukhara's Jewish Quarter, consisted once of three large mahallas - Kuhma-Mahalla (Old), Nav-Mahalla (New) and Amirobad (Emir town). The main entrance to it is this arch at Lyabi-hauz, opposite the ancient (1477) peach tree that has dried up. While several anciet Uzbek cities are made of the narrow twisted roads, none can be compared to the corners of the Jewish Quarter and adjacent Muslim mahallas. Walking through the twisted streets of the Old Jewish Mahalla, you will see beautiful clay homes and some Traditional Jewish Bukharian Houses which are in desprite need of conservation. Many of the homes have carved doors, often with columns or ceiling beams, survived several demolitions and restorations of the house and are more than 300 years old.

Traditional Bukharian Houses in The Old Jewish Mahalla

In the Middle Ages, Bukhara became the heart of Jewish life in central Asia, as Jews from other communities in the region settled there. By the turn of the twentieth century, the Jewish community of Bukhara was the largest among a network of Jewish minorities in Uzbek cities including Tashkent, Samarkand, Kokand, Andijan, Marghilan, and Navoi. Bukharian Jews were active in establishing trade connections with the Russian Empire and held positions in law, medicine, and local government, while others were well-known musicians, actors, and dancers. Following the Russian Revolution and throughout the Holocaust, Jews from Eastern Europe continued to immigrate to Bukhara to avoid persecution. Less than 200 Bukharian Jews remain in the old mahallah. The vast majority left Bukhara for Israel and the United States following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Due to this mass exodus and the development of new building techniques, the traditional houses are now under threat of disappearance and are subject to alterations insensitive to their historical significance. The houses were included on the 2020 World Monuments Watch to encourage the documentation and creation of sustainable urban conservation standards for the adaptive reuse of the Bukharian Jewish Houses. - Description and photos by the World Monuments Fund

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Tours of Bukhara

Mizrahi and Sephardi Jewish Tour of Uzbekistan

A birds of a feather program for Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews.

Uzbekistan tour from Israel. Great Silk Roads

If you travel around Uzbekistan in search of treasures, you will definitely find them there. Silk carpets in ancient times decorated only the palaces of the rulers and were just one of the many popular goods of the Silk Road. Now you can not only buy them from artisans but also understand the painstaking manufacturing technology – this opportunity is waiting for you in Samarkand.

Jewish Tour Across Uzbekistan

Traveling in major tourist cities of Uzbekistan. The Bukharian Jewish Community still counts more than 50 families. Their ancestor's contribution to the arts, the music, the crafts, the textiles which made Bukhara at one time the mysterious and coveted destination of many a tradesman and adventurer cannot be stressed sufficiently. Tour package consists of historical components and Jewish monuments, best 8 day tour package for visiting the memorial complexes of Khiva – open air museum, legendary Samarkand - visit the Synagogue and other monuments, holy Bukhara - visit the Synagogue, the Jewish school and other monuments, homeland of Amir Temur (Tamerlan) – Shahrisabz and Tashkent.

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Kabir Kosher Food

Located in Kabir Hotel in Bukhara, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional Middle Eastern and kosher food.

Old Bukhara

Old Bukhara is the place to fully experience and appreciate the traditions of Uzbekistan and fantastic Uzbek dishes. The restaurant itself is in an ancient Bukharian home, located conveniently located in the city center. The interior decor reflects the history of the city and old-style charm of the building.

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World Jewish Travel Official February 17, 2024

The Jewish Story of Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is an ancient city in the central Asian country of Uzbekistan. It was a prominent stop on the Silk Road trade route between the East and the West, and a major medieval center for Islamic theology and culture. It still contains hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais, dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

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Hotels in Bukhara

Hotel Malika Bukhara

located in the heart of the pedestrian area of old Bukhara, just 50 meters from Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Complex. This 4-star hotel offers a spa center and a rich breakfast buffet with national and European dishes. WiFi is available throughout the property.

Salom Inn

This inn is conveniently located in the heart of old Bukhara, just 165 ft from Lyab-i Hauz Architectural Complex and right across from the Bukhara Synagogue. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk and a welcome cup of tea are featured at Salom Inn.The bright, air-conditioned rooms have warm-colored, hand-crafted interiors and traditional Uzbek décor. Each room comes complete with a minibar, a desk, a hair dryer and a private bathroom.Salom Inn Restaurant serves Uzbek cuisine in the hotel’s lovely shaded courtyard. A partner tourist agency can arrange tours and excursions for guests of the Salom.Nodir-Divan-Begi Madrasa is a 2-minute walk away, while Magoki-Attari Mosque and the famous Bukhara Kalon minaret are a 5-minute walk from the inn.Bukhara International Airport is 3 miles from Salom Inn.

Amelia Boutique Hotel

Amelia Boutique Hotel combines casual and luxury living, which reflects both its prime position inside of UNESCO heritage site area, and in walking distance to major sights of the city. Behind its 19th century gate, guests will discover an unexpected interior where new is blended with old to create a sober, sensual and luxurious atmosphere. Many of the building's historic details, such as original wall painting and wood carved ceilings are being carefully retained to ensure that this hotel loses none of its historic charm. This hotel's wonderful location is sure to make it a dream destination where travelers can't fail to be inspired by the magnificent views of the historic Minaret Kalon. Fully air conditioned and constructed in national style "Amelia Boutique Hotel" was Jewish merchant’s house which was build in 19th century and located near the synagogue. The house has 10 double rooms with king size beds. Also there are additional beds for children. And all rooms are traditional Bukharian style with national trimming. Each piece in our hotel made by hand by well-known workers and painters from Uzbekistan. The house also has a traditional yard with beautifully carved tall columns and charming "aivan", where during summer evenings Uzbek, Tajik, Russian or vegetarian cooking is arranged. Our family-run, owned and managed hotel offers a combination of traditional Bukharian style and atmosphere, with modern conveniences and personal attentive care. The hotel can arrange activities and excursions to suit each guest, enabling them to enjoy the area and discover the wonders in every corner of the city. "Amelia Boutique Hotel" with its unique architecture and decoration aims to provide an excellent service in a homey environment.

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From the comfort of your home to the ancient streets of Jerusalem 🕊️💻.
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From the comfort of your home to the ancient streets of Jerusalem 🕊️💻.
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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿

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#VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem ...

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem's underground. Unveil the city's secrets from home. 🌌

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem`s underground. Unveil the city`s secrets from home. 🌌

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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.

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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.

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🏰✨ Travel through time and faith without leaving home! Join on a virtual journey through Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where history and spirituality meet.

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