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Praying in a Bukharan Syangogue in Fergana, Uzbekistan, USSR, 1976
Praying in a Bukharan Syangogue in Fergana, Uzbekistan, USSR, 1976

The Jewish Community of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi - Republic of Uzbekistan
A republic in central Asia, until 1991 part of the Soviet Union.

21st Century

Estimated Jewish population in 2018: 3,200 out of 33,500,000.  Main Jewish organization:

The Jewish Community of Uzbekistan
Phone: 998 901 760 601
Email: rimma_golovina@mail.ru; janetta2004@mail.ru 

 

HISTORY

The Jews in Uzbekistan were affiliated with two communities: (1) the ancient one, the Jews of Bukhara, who speak a Tajiki-Jewish dialect; (2) the new one, of eastern European origin. According to their tradition, the Bukharan Jews emigrated from Persia at the time of the persecutions of king Peroz (458-485), while some consider themselves as descendants of the exiles of Samaria, on the assumption that “Habor” (ii Kings 17:6) is Bukhara. Anthropological examinations undertaken by l.V. Ushanin in 1926-29 proved that they originated in the Middle East (of the pure Armenoid type), also there is no information on their exact non-Jewish origin. Precise information on the spiritual works of the Jews of Uzbekistan is, however, only available from the 14th century onward.

Jews of Uzbekistan emigrated to Khazaria and China because of their location at the crossroads of the caravans that traveled there. The principal traffic between the Muslim world and Itil (Atil), the capital of Khazaria, passed through northern Uzbekistan, and the information on “many Jews who came to the king of the Khazars from the towns of the Muslims” (the author Al-Mas’udi of the tenth-century) and the Jews who came “from Khurasan and strengthened the hands of the inhabitants of the country” (the anonymous “Cambridge document”) refers essentially to the Jews of Uzbekistan, which was considered as an annexed territory of Iranian-eastern Khurasan.

There is a tradition concerning another wave of Jewish emigration from Iran to Uzbekistan as a result of the Mongolian conquests of the 13th century, and the surnames of the Jews of Uzbekistan show that even during subsequent periods emigrants from Iranian-speaking communities of the west and the south were integrated among them. In modern times, however, the fanatical Muslim domination severely prejudiced the growth and economic development of the community. The Russian conquest of the 19th century came as a blessing, especially in those regions subjected to direct Russian rule, where the local Jews were granted complete judicial equality with the Muslim natives and enjoyed rights which the Russian government withheld from the Jews of eastern Europe (such as the acquisition of real estate). A migration movement from Bukhara to Tashkent continued through several generations. The economic progress of these Jews was also reflected by their considerable contribution to the Jewish settlement of Eretz Israel. The Soviet regime, which liquidated private commerce, brought about the transfer or the more than 200,000 local Jews into administrative positions, industry and agriculture.

The Soviet regime did not bring about any considerable emigration of east European Jews to Uzbekistan  because of linguistic difficulties and the warring gangs of Muslim insurgents (Basmachi), of the 1920’s and 1930’s. World War 2, however, suddenly converted Uzbekistan into an important Jewish center. The Jews of western and central European USSR found refuge there, and Tashkent accommodated some of the Jewish institutions of Moscow. Many Jews who had been deported by the Soviet regime between 1939 and 1941 from the annexed eastern parts of Poland and the Baltic states to labor camps or exile in Siberia because of “bourgeois” class origin or political affiliations (Zionists or socialists) also migrated to Uzbekistan upon their release from the camp or place of exile. Some succeeded in continuing on to Palestine through Persia, either as polish soldiers in general Anders army or as orphaned children (the so-called Teheran children). With the retreat of the German army from Eastern Europe, many of the refugees and evacuees returned to their places of origin, but a considerable number of Ashkenazi east European Jews settled in Uzbekistan and became integrated in administration, industry and education there. A certain rapprochement between them and the local Jews resulted from the propagation of the Tashkent language within both communities and the feeling of the common Jewish fate, which was emphasized by the events of the war. The census of 1959 registered 94,344 Jews (1.2% of the total population) in Uzbekistan; 50,445 of them lived in the capital of the republic Tashkent. Only 19,266 of them declared Tajiki to be their native language; about 27,560 Yiddish; and the remainder Tashkent. The 1970 Soviet census showed 103,000 Jews in Uzbekistan.

In 1997, after the aliya to Israel, there were 35,000 Jews in Uzbekistan.

USTAYEV

USTAIEV, AUSTIIB

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ev" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from usta, a Turkish and Uzbek term for "craftsman", "master".  This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Ustayev is documented as a Jewish family name with Nina Ustayev (1951-2007).

KALANTAR, KALANTAROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. In most cases, as a Jewish family name Kalantar was originally a personal title. This family name is derived from an honorific title given to a leader of a Jewish community as used by the Jews of Bukhara in Central Asia. The original meaning of kalantar (کلانتر) in Persian is "reeve", "sheriff". This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Distinguished bearers of the family name Kalantarov include Abraham Kalantarov, one of the leaders of the Jewish community of Bukhara during the first half of the 20th century. His mansion in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, houses the Uzebek Jewish Museum. Kalantar is documented as a Jewish family name with Rachamim Kalantar (1898 – 1978) who served for many years as member of the municipal council of Jerusalem.

KHUJANDI 

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birthplace, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.

This name is derived from Khujand (Хуҷанд), sometimes spelled Khodjent and known as Leninabad in 1936–1991, the second-largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Jews from Bukhara started to settle in Tajikistan during the 18th century followed by Ashkenazi Jews, mainly in the 20th century. Places, regions and countries of origin or residence are some of the sources of Jewish family names. But, unless the family has reliable records, names based on toponymics cannot prove the exact origin of the family.

This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Khujandi is documented as a Jewish family name with Levy ben Baruch Khujandi (1896-1987) of Jerusalem.

DEMIROV, TEMIROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Slavic ending "-ov" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from demir, the Turkish term for "iron". The Uzbek equivalent is temir. Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for an "iron dealer"or a "smith" This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Demirov  is documented as a Jewish family name with the Israeli soccer player Tomer Demirov (b. 1995).

POLATOV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Slavic ending "-ov" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from polat, the Uzbek term for "stell". This family name can be linked to a nickname referring to the "hard/steely" body or character of a person. It can also be associated with occupations such as the manufacture and sale of steel products. Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for an "iron dealer"or a "smith". This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Polatov is documented as a Jewish family name with Aharon Polatov (1913-1999), a resident of Jerusalem, Israel.

TOKOV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of", is derived from tok, the Uzbek term for "vine". Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for a winegrower or a wine merchant. This family name is found among the Jews of  Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Tokov is documented as a Jewish family name with Menashe Tokov (1911-1992) of Jerusalem, Israel.

ZARGAROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of", is derived from zargar, the Uzbek term for "jeweler".  Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for a jeweler. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Zargarov is documented as a Jewish family name with Isaac Zargarov (1908-1941), son of Niyazov of Taskent, Uzbekistan, who was killed in action as a soldier in the Soviet Army during WW2.  

LEVIEV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name usually derives from lineage (priestly, Levite, convert). Leviev is derived from the Hebrew biblical personal name Levi/Levy. The Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". This surname is therefore a patronymic, derived from a male ancestor's personal name. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

The Levites are descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. 

Distinguished bearers of the family name Leviev include the Uzbekistan-born Israeli businessman, philanthropist and investor Lev Avnerovich Leviev (b. 1956), known as the "King of Diamonds".

KIMYAGAROV, KIMYAGAROF

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name is derived from kimyogar, an Uzbek term meaning “chemist”.  The Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". Originally, this family name could have been a nickname given to someone who produced or marketed dyes for textiles. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

Kimyagarov is documented as a Jewish family name with Mashiah Kimyagarov (d. 1984), a former resident of Jerusalem, Israel.   

KATAYEV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is derived from a personal characteristic or nickname. 

This family name was derived from katta, an Uzbek term meaning “big”, “large”, “high”.  The Russian ending "-ev" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". Originally, this family name could have been a nickname.  

Nicknames have been used to identify people since ancient times by Jews and non-Jew alike. In the Jewish tradition, the boundary between personal names and nicknames has always been fluid, resulting in a wide variety of family names. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

Katayev is documented as a Jewish family name with Esther Katayev (1953-2009), a former resident of Ramla, Israel.

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The Jewish Community of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi - Republic of Uzbekistan
A republic in central Asia, until 1991 part of the Soviet Union.

21st Century

Estimated Jewish population in 2018: 3,200 out of 33,500,000.  Main Jewish organization:

The Jewish Community of Uzbekistan
Phone: 998 901 760 601
Email: rimma_golovina@mail.ru; janetta2004@mail.ru 

 

HISTORY

The Jews in Uzbekistan were affiliated with two communities: (1) the ancient one, the Jews of Bukhara, who speak a Tajiki-Jewish dialect; (2) the new one, of eastern European origin. According to their tradition, the Bukharan Jews emigrated from Persia at the time of the persecutions of king Peroz (458-485), while some consider themselves as descendants of the exiles of Samaria, on the assumption that “Habor” (ii Kings 17:6) is Bukhara. Anthropological examinations undertaken by l.V. Ushanin in 1926-29 proved that they originated in the Middle East (of the pure Armenoid type), also there is no information on their exact non-Jewish origin. Precise information on the spiritual works of the Jews of Uzbekistan is, however, only available from the 14th century onward.

Jews of Uzbekistan emigrated to Khazaria and China because of their location at the crossroads of the caravans that traveled there. The principal traffic between the Muslim world and Itil (Atil), the capital of Khazaria, passed through northern Uzbekistan, and the information on “many Jews who came to the king of the Khazars from the towns of the Muslims” (the author Al-Mas’udi of the tenth-century) and the Jews who came “from Khurasan and strengthened the hands of the inhabitants of the country” (the anonymous “Cambridge document”) refers essentially to the Jews of Uzbekistan, which was considered as an annexed territory of Iranian-eastern Khurasan.

There is a tradition concerning another wave of Jewish emigration from Iran to Uzbekistan as a result of the Mongolian conquests of the 13th century, and the surnames of the Jews of Uzbekistan show that even during subsequent periods emigrants from Iranian-speaking communities of the west and the south were integrated among them. In modern times, however, the fanatical Muslim domination severely prejudiced the growth and economic development of the community. The Russian conquest of the 19th century came as a blessing, especially in those regions subjected to direct Russian rule, where the local Jews were granted complete judicial equality with the Muslim natives and enjoyed rights which the Russian government withheld from the Jews of eastern Europe (such as the acquisition of real estate). A migration movement from Bukhara to Tashkent continued through several generations. The economic progress of these Jews was also reflected by their considerable contribution to the Jewish settlement of Eretz Israel. The Soviet regime, which liquidated private commerce, brought about the transfer or the more than 200,000 local Jews into administrative positions, industry and agriculture.

The Soviet regime did not bring about any considerable emigration of east European Jews to Uzbekistan  because of linguistic difficulties and the warring gangs of Muslim insurgents (Basmachi), of the 1920’s and 1930’s. World War 2, however, suddenly converted Uzbekistan into an important Jewish center. The Jews of western and central European USSR found refuge there, and Tashkent accommodated some of the Jewish institutions of Moscow. Many Jews who had been deported by the Soviet regime between 1939 and 1941 from the annexed eastern parts of Poland and the Baltic states to labor camps or exile in Siberia because of “bourgeois” class origin or political affiliations (Zionists or socialists) also migrated to Uzbekistan upon their release from the camp or place of exile. Some succeeded in continuing on to Palestine through Persia, either as polish soldiers in general Anders army or as orphaned children (the so-called Teheran children). With the retreat of the German army from Eastern Europe, many of the refugees and evacuees returned to their places of origin, but a considerable number of Ashkenazi east European Jews settled in Uzbekistan and became integrated in administration, industry and education there. A certain rapprochement between them and the local Jews resulted from the propagation of the Tashkent language within both communities and the feeling of the common Jewish fate, which was emphasized by the events of the war. The census of 1959 registered 94,344 Jews (1.2% of the total population) in Uzbekistan; 50,445 of them lived in the capital of the republic Tashkent. Only 19,266 of them declared Tajiki to be their native language; about 27,560 Yiddish; and the remainder Tashkent. The 1970 Soviet census showed 103,000 Jews in Uzbekistan.

In 1997, after the aliya to Israel, there were 35,000 Jews in Uzbekistan.

Written by researchers of ANU Museum of the Jewish People
USTAYEV

USTAYEV

USTAIEV, AUSTIIB

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ev" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from usta, a Turkish and Uzbek term for "craftsman", "master".  This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Ustayev is documented as a Jewish family name with Nina Ustayev (1951-2007).

KALANTAR

KALANTAR, KALANTAROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. In most cases, as a Jewish family name Kalantar was originally a personal title. This family name is derived from an honorific title given to a leader of a Jewish community as used by the Jews of Bukhara in Central Asia. The original meaning of kalantar (کلانتر) in Persian is "reeve", "sheriff". This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Distinguished bearers of the family name Kalantarov include Abraham Kalantarov, one of the leaders of the Jewish community of Bukhara during the first half of the 20th century. His mansion in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, houses the Uzebek Jewish Museum. Kalantar is documented as a Jewish family name with Rachamim Kalantar (1898 – 1978) who served for many years as member of the municipal council of Jerusalem.

KHUJANDI

KHUJANDI 

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birthplace, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.

This name is derived from Khujand (Хуҷанд), sometimes spelled Khodjent and known as Leninabad in 1936–1991, the second-largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Jews from Bukhara started to settle in Tajikistan during the 18th century followed by Ashkenazi Jews, mainly in the 20th century. Places, regions and countries of origin or residence are some of the sources of Jewish family names. But, unless the family has reliable records, names based on toponymics cannot prove the exact origin of the family.

This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.

Khujandi is documented as a Jewish family name with Levy ben Baruch Khujandi (1896-1987) of Jerusalem.

DEMIROV

DEMIROV, TEMIROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Slavic ending "-ov" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from demir, the Turkish term for "iron". The Uzbek equivalent is temir. Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for an "iron dealer"or a "smith" This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Demirov  is documented as a Jewish family name with the Israeli soccer player Tomer Demirov (b. 1995).

POLATOV

POLATOV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Slavic ending "-ov" means "of/from" and stands for "son of", is derived from polat, the Uzbek term for "stell". This family name can be linked to a nickname referring to the "hard/steely" body or character of a person. It can also be associated with occupations such as the manufacture and sale of steel products. Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for an "iron dealer"or a "smith". This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Polatov is documented as a Jewish family name with Aharon Polatov (1913-1999), a resident of Jerusalem, Israel.

TOKOV

TOKOV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of", is derived from tok, the Uzbek term for "vine". Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for a winegrower or a wine merchant. This family name is found among the Jews of  Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Tokov is documented as a Jewish family name with Menashe Tokov (1911-1992) of Jerusalem, Israel.

ZARGAROV

ZARGAROV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name, in which the Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from" and can stand for "son of", is derived from zargar, the Uzbek term for "jeweler".  Originally, the term could have been used as a nickname for a jeweler. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia.  

Zargarov is documented as a Jewish family name with Isaac Zargarov (1908-1941), son of Niyazov of Taskent, Uzbekistan, who was killed in action as a soldier in the Soviet Army during WW2.  

LEVIEV

LEVIEV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name usually derives from lineage (priestly, Levite, convert). Leviev is derived from the Hebrew biblical personal name Levi/Levy. The Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". This surname is therefore a patronymic, derived from a male ancestor's personal name. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

The Levites are descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. 

Distinguished bearers of the family name Leviev include the Uzbekistan-born Israeli businessman, philanthropist and investor Lev Avnerovich Leviev (b. 1956), known as the "King of Diamonds".

KIMYAGAROV

KIMYAGAROV, KIMYAGAROF

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name.

This family name derives from an occupation, profession or trade (also connected with raw material, finished product or implements associated with that trade). Names indicating occupation, profession or trade are widespread among Jews. The extensive range of Jewish names deriving from occupations illustrates the variety of their activities in all fields.

This family name is derived from kimyogar, an Uzbek term meaning “chemist”.  The Russian ending "-ov" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". Originally, this family name could have been a nickname given to someone who produced or marketed dyes for textiles. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

Kimyagarov is documented as a Jewish family name with Mashiah Kimyagarov (d. 1984), a former resident of Jerusalem, Israel.   

KATAYEV

KATAYEV

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is derived from a personal characteristic or nickname. 

This family name was derived from katta, an Uzbek term meaning “big”, “large”, “high”.  The Russian ending "-ev" means "of/from", but can also stand for "son of". Originally, this family name could have been a nickname.  

Nicknames have been used to identify people since ancient times by Jews and non-Jew alike. In the Jewish tradition, the boundary between personal names and nicknames has always been fluid, resulting in a wide variety of family names. This family name is found among the Jews of Bukhara. 

Katayev is documented as a Jewish family name with Esther Katayev (1953-2009), a former resident of Ramla, Israel.