The Jewish presence in Azerbaijan dates back several centuries, beginning with the Mountain Jews who have long lived in the Caucasus region, as well as the Ashkenazim who moved here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Sumgait, the center of Azerbaijan's petrochemical industry, located 35 km north of Baku, the Jewish community was formed due to migration processes and the influx of people employed in industry.
During Soviet times, the Jews of Sumgait, as throughout the USSR, were integrated into social and economic life. They worked in factories, in scientific institutions, and held positions in education and culture. However, the religious and cultural life of the Jewish community was limited by the atheistic policy of the Soviet state, which affected the preservation of traditions and religious identity.
The end of the 1980s was a turning point for many nationalities living in Sumgait, including Jews. In 1988, amid growing national conflicts between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, mass riots occurred in Sumgait, known as the Sumgait pogrom. Although the main targets of the violence were Armenians, the Jewish community was also at risk. Many Jews suffered attacks, their property was looted, and families were forced to flee the city in search of refuge.
These events led to a mass exodus of Jews from Sumgait and other regions of Azerbaijan. Many of them emigrated to Israel, Russia or the USA, leaving behind their homes and property. Sumgait, like many other cities in the Caucasus, lost a significant part of its Jewish community.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Jewish community of Sumgait decreased significantly. Now in Sumgait, population 320 thousand, the second largest city in Azerbaijan, about 60 Jews live. The modern government of Azerbaijan declares support for national minorities and religious freedoms, which has allowed the remaining Jews to continue their cultural and religious lives. In 2008, the Jewish Religious Community was founded as a branch of the Baku “Hesed Gershon”. Boris Trepner was elected its chairman. Before this, there had never been an official Jewish community in Sumgait. The synagogue operates at the address: 6/21, 21 Azerbaijan Ave, Sumgait 5000, Azerbaijan. For now, a room is being rented for it. Jewish holidays are held there, as well as programs and Torah lessons are implemented on the initiative of the rabbi. Representatives of state and local authorities are often present at the holidays as guests.
In 2022, Sumgait Rabbi Mendel Leichter said: “On the eve of Yom Kippur, a large number of Jews gathered, and a special spiritual atmosphere was felt. This holiday demonstrates spiritual and Jewish unity, which we are happy about!”
However, objectively, the process of restoration of the Jewish community in Sumgait is still going slowly. Jews do not want to return to the city.
Today, the history of the Jews of Sumgait is part of the collective memory of not only Azerbaijani Jews, but also the entire Jewish people. It reminds us of the complex and often tragic paths that Jews have taken in different parts of the world, trying to preserve their identity and culture in the face of historical cataclysms.