Mountain Jews Museum
In an old synagogue.
Asif Masimov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Asif Masimov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Asif Masimov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Asif Masimov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · lelebella — CC BY 2.0 · Pinkfloyd1990 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Asif Masimov — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Rəcəb Yaxşı — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small town across the Gudyal river from Quba, known in Azerbaijani as «Qırmızı Qəsəbə», the Red Village, and the main centre of Azerbaijan's Mountain Jews. It is widely believed to be one of the very few towns in the world outside Israel with a mostly Jewish population. Its formal founding goes back to the eighteenth century, when the Khan of Quba allowed Mountain Jews to settle on the bank opposite his capital, after centuries of their presence in the region. Many residents speak Judeo-Tat, and some accounts say the name comes from the red tiles on its roofs. Its streets are lined with elegant houses with wooden balconies and colourful facades, and it has historic synagogues, including the Six-Domed Synagogue, and the Museum of Mountain Jews, opened in an old synagogue building, which presents the community's history, culture and crafts. An old bridge over the river links it with Quba. Wandering the town is free, and the museum and synagogues can be visited during their opening hours, with respect for the religious character of the place. It is minutes from central Quba, an easy addition to a visit to the town.
In an old synagogue.
A town landmark.
Colourful houses.
Across the Gudyal river from Quba town
Usually yes, during opening hours, with modest dress and respect for services; the Museum of Mountain Jews covers the community's history in depth.