Research & Resources

The Itzhak Mavashev Foundation is dedicated to preserving and studying the history, language, and literature of the Bukharian Jewish community. Our research projects focus on uncovering and digitizing historical texts, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

Historical black and white photograph of a chess match with two players surrounded by onlookers in traditional Central Asian clothing

Current Research Projects

Project Research Team – University of Saint Petersburg

This initiative explores Judeo-Persian manuscripts dating back to the 7th century from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and surrounding regions. Researchers are analyzing the distinctions between Judeo-Bukharian and Judeo-Persian literature, highlighting their linguistic and cultural significance.

Library with tall bookshelves and a researcher studying at a desk

Brit Yotzei Bukhara – Union of the Descendants of Bukhara

Founded in 1972, this organization played a crucial role in documenting Bukharian Jewish heritage. Under Itzhak Mavashev's editorial leadership, publications from 1973 onward provided historical insights into the community.

This project focuses on digitizing and analyzing these journals, particularly Mavashev's writings from 1973 to 1978, to preserve their historical value.

Publications & Resources

Reminiscences of Contemporaries

Itzhak Mavashev

Reminiscences of Contemporaries - Itzhak Mavashev

This seminal work compiles memories and accounts from those who knew and worked with Itzhak Mavashev, offering unique insights into his contributions to Bukharian Jewish cultural preservation.

Serving as an essential resource for understanding Bukharian Jewish history, culture, and migration. It offers in-depth research and firsthand accounts, providing valuable insights into the community's past and present.

This book follows the classical tradition of a Festschrift—a volume honoring remarkable contributions of Itzhak Mavashev, a writer and scholar who played a pivotal role in shaping the Tajik language. Contemporary writers, editors, and translators pay tribute to his immense impact on its development, a legacy he helped pioneer.

Born into a traditional Jewish family, Mavashev received private tutoring from a teacher invited from Jerusalem. Exposed to multiple languages from an early age, he developed a keen ear for linguistic nuances and the rhythms of speech and music. His translations were groundbreaking, including the first Tadjik textbooks on physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as a multi-volume edition of the Collected Works of Lenin.

Ongoing Transcriptions

We are currently working on transcribing and digitizing historical publications. A sample document can be viewed here.

For more information or to contribute to our research efforts, visit our Contact Us page.