Annotation
The Persian speaking Jewish communities of Central Asia have a long and fascinating history. The 20th century radically changed the world for the Jews of Afghanistan, Iran, and the Central Asian successor states of the Soviet Union (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and it witnessed their mass exodus from the region. Today, these communities are spread around the world. The largest of them are to be found in Israel and the United States.
In this seminar we will deal with the history (with a focus on the 20th century), culture and language of the Jews of Central Asia and try to challenge narratives which still tend to portray these Jewish communities as distinct, secluded and static ethnic groups, disconnected from each other and from the wider Jewish world.
The course aims to delve deeper into the history, culture, and language of the Jews of Central Asia, with a particular emphasis on the 20th century. It seeks to challenge preconceived notions that view these communities as isolated, unchanging, and disconnected from other Jewish communities. The course seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of their experiences, both historically and in contemporary times.
The course is likely to explore topics such as the roots of Persian-speaking Jewish communities in Central Asia, their interactions with other Jewish and non-Jewish communities, their experiences under Soviet rule, and the reasons for their migration to different parts of the world. The course may also touch on aspects of their cultural and religious practices, such as their music, art, and cuisine, as well as their languages, including Judeo-Persian, Judeo-Tajik, and Bukhori. Overall, the course aims to provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich cultural heritage and experiences of the Jews of Central Asia.
