Survival of the Mountain Jews of the Caucasus Region
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Brittany Hamilton
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Holocaust and Genocide Studies (M.A.)
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Adara Goldberg
Abstract:
The Caucasus Mountain region, spanning modern-day Turkey, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Russia, has long been a melting pot of diverse ethnic and religious communities. Among them, the Mountain Jews, colloquially known as such, have thrived despite the region's tumultuous history of conflict. Despite neighboring nations being embroiled in wars and political unrest, the Mountain Jews have preserved their unique cultural identity, religious beliefs, and community cohesion. Interacting with various governments throughout the region's history, the Mountain Jews faced challenges that influenced their population size and societal standing. However, their resilience ensured their survival, as they navigated shifting political landscapes. Central to this resilience were strategies that maintained their religious and cultural practices, preserving their distinctiveness among pressures for conformity. This research highlights the resilience and survival strategies of the Mountain Jews through the lens of regional and international events that impacted myriad communities in the Caucasus region.