Updated edition of “The Flourishing of Jewry in Azerbaijan” unveiled in Israel

On September 10, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel hosted a warm gathering dedicated to the presentation of the second, updated edition of the biographical reference book “The Flourishing of Jewry in Azerbaijan.”

The publication was prepared by the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Israel and the “AzIz” Association with the support of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing STMEGI.

The event drew a large audience, many of whom had travelled considerable distances to attend. Among those present were the book’s featured figures, their families, and representatives of the older generation of the Azerbaijani community. The book’s author and head of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Israel, Yegana Salman, opened the presentation by speaking about the significance of the project, its background, and the preparation process.

The first edition of the reference book was published two years ago to mark the centenary of Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev, whose balanced national policy and strategic vision greatly contributed to the country’s economic development.

Yegana Salman then gave the floor to Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov. He stressed that the book demonstrates Azerbaijan’s multicultural character and highlights the contributions of various ethnic groups, including the Jewish community, to the nation’s political, scientific, and cultural life. Pointing to the centuries-old presence of Jews in Azerbaijan, the ambassador emphasised their important role in the country’s development.

The ambassador also expressed the idea of further expanding the project’s online resource by collecting materials in multiple languages—Russian, Azerbaijani, English, German, and Hebrew—to reach a wider audience and include new names in the registry.

The second edition (authored and compiled by Yegana Salman, edited by Mikhail Salman, with technical editing by Shaul Siman-Tov and cover design by Romaya Pukhman) contains 292 biographies of prominent Azerbaijani Jews who made significant contributions in fields such as science, medicine, education, sports, and the arts. With their professionalism and leadership, these individuals became important figures in the history of their people and the region.

The book features many well-known representatives of the Mountain Jewish community who played key roles in Azerbaijan’s economic, educational, and cultural life. Among them are: Irmik Abayev, Yevda Abramov, Zakhar Abramov, Mardakhai Abramov, Akif Aghayev, Asael Aghayev, Rashid Aghayev, Yahya Aghayev, Mikhail Agarunov, Yakov Agarunov, David Ashirov, Simandu Ashirov, Don Badalov, Sabir Bunyadov, Yagub Bunyadov, Bilal Bunyatzada, Bahruz Gurshumov, Rashid Gurshumov, Talhum Gurshumov, Shaul Davidov, Boris Yevdayev, Aron Zarbayilov, Rashbil Zakharyayev, Zahra Ilyasova, Davud Isakov, Semyon Ikhilov, Bension Mardakhayev, Hasan Mirzoyev, Semyon Nisanov, Nisim Nisimov, Zinaida Pinkhasova, Danil Rabayev, Anatoly Rafailov, Sasun Rafailov, Boris Rakhmimov, Shanda Sasunov, Boris Simanduyev, Aghadayi Khanukayev, Shabtai Shabatayev, Yagub Shayev, Rafael Shaulov, Simakh Yushvayev, Bakhtiyar Yakubov, and Sasun Yakubov, among others.

The book serves as a unique mosaic, each biography reflecting the fate of individuals, the connection of generations, and the richness of national experience.

Guests at the presentation shared memories of life in Baku, their work in various institutions and enterprises, and their shared cultural experiences. Many underscored the legacy of Heydar Aliyev and the continuity of his policies under President Ilham Aliyev, which ensure the country’s stability and progress.

Poet and historian Mikhail Salman also read poems dedicated to his love for Azerbaijan. The program was enriched by stories from individuals featured in the book, as well as honoured veterans such as I.L. Shayne, D.L. Kashepava, I.A. Skvirsky, and L.N. Krichevsky.

The event became an important moment in preserving historical memory and fostering respect for different cultures and traditions. The book stands as a testament to the successful coexistence of diverse ethnic and religious communities, symbolising pride in the shared history and achievements of Azerbaijani Jews.

By Khagan Isayev