Red Village Quba: The Unique All-Jewish Settlement in Azerbaijan

Tucked away in northern Azerbaijan, Red Village Quba is considered one of the world’s last surviving all-Jewish settlements outside Israel, often referred to as the last remaining shtetl in the Caucasus. Known as the “Little Jerusalem of the Caucasus,” this historic Mountain Jewish town boasts centuries-old synagogues, unique traditions, and vibrant cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history lovers and cultural travelers.

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Explore the heritage of Red Village Quba

Overview of Red Village Quba

Red Village Quba is a historic Mountain Jewish settlement in Azerbaijan, renowned for its cultural heritage, synagogues, and traditions.

Location

Red Village Quba (Qırmızı Qəsəbə or Krasnaya Sloboda) lies just across the Qudyal (Kudyal) River from the city of Quba in northern Azerbaijan. It is located in Quba District flowing through the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains nearly 180 km northwest of Baku and near the Russian border.

Quba is the administrative centre of the region located at approximately 600m above the sea level, and the Red Village is connected by the pedestrian bridge, thus is relatively easy to reach by road and provides an intoxicating piece of cultural history reached by a short drive to the centre of Quba.

History of village

Jewish presence in the Quba region can be traced back to the establishment of Mountain Jews as a separate Jewish group in the 13th century. Although Mountain Jews had lived in the region since the 13th century, the community took its formal shape around 1742 when the Khan of Quba allowed Jewish families to settle safely across the river.

In the 18th century Fatali Khan ruled the region and the community prospered and established synagogues, schools, and culture. During the centuries, Red Village turned out to be the sign of Jewish persistence and gained the reputation of the Jerusalem of the Caucasus due to rich religious and cultural life.

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History of Red Village Quba

Reason to visit

Visiting Red Village Quba offers a rare opportunity to experience history, culture, and tradition in one unique destination. Key reasons include:

• Special history: the sole all-Jewish colony not in Israel or the United States.
• Historic synagogues: Visit centuries-old synagogues, the most known of them being the Six Dome Synagogue.
• Cultural identity: Learn about the culture, language and mode of living of the Mountain Jews.
• The setting: The location is shrouded in the hills of Caucasus and next to the river with Quba town across.
• Living history: A community which still keeps its faith, culture and steadfastness alive.

Cultural and religious heritage

Red Village Quba is famous to retain very rich traditions of culture and religions of Mountain Jews, offering visitors a deep sense of heritage:

• Holy synagogues: The Six Dome Synagogue, built in 1888, is one of the village’s most iconic landmarks and today also houses a cultural heritage museum.
• Museum of Mountain Jews: The Museum of Mountain Jews, opened in 2020, is the world’s only museum specifically dedicated to preserving the history, language, and traditions of the Mountain Jewish community.
• Living traditions: The community still keeps practices like Juhuri language use, the use of mezuzahs in door posts as well as observing Shabbat.
• Heritage sites: Cemeteries hundreds of years old, baths used in religious rituals, and village buildings depict religious identity and perseverance of centuries.

Red Village stands as a cultural and spiritual landmark, where the Mountain Jews’ history and traditions remain alive in the heart of Azerbaijan.

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Cultural and spiritual legacy in Red Village Quba

People and community

Red Village has a strong and culturally diverse community of Mountain Jews known commonly as Juhuro. Major aspects of the community are:

• Jews of the mountains heritage: Majority population of the Mountain Jews who are strong upholders of cultural as well as religious heritage.
• Linguistic diversity: The majority of the residents are also multilingual as they can speak Judeo-Tat (Juhuri) Azerbaijani and Russian, and in many cases, Hebrew, as well.
• Community structure: The community is close-knit and families have origins based in many Jewish settlements e.g. those found in Gilan and other places.
• Demographics and diaspora: There is demographic decline (fewer inhabitants in the actual regions tend to emigrate) and, at the same time, strong bonds between the former inhabitants living abroad, particularly in Israel, Russia, and the USA.
• Residents live peacefully with mutual respect in Muslim-majority Azerbaijan, reflecting strong traditions of religious tolerance.

What do to do in Red Village Quba

The excursion to Red Village Quba can provide the tourist with a rare experience of history, culture, and the originality:

• Cross the Old Arched Bridge across the Kudyal River and get into a unique Jewish settlement.
• Find old synagogues such as the Six Dome Synagogue that remain in use today and form the heart of the community.
• Stop by the Museum of Mountain Jews located in a renovated synagogue and representing traditions, artifacts, and the heritage of Mountain Jews.
• You may stop at the Tourist Information Centre and buy souvenirs, hand made carpets, cultural books and you get to enjoy kosher snacks.
• Visit the Red-Roofed Homes and take a stroll along the quiet streets laden with mezuzahs affixed to doorframes, which provide an insight on day to day traditions.

Red Village is both a cultural journey and a living heritage site, where history and community blend to create an unforgettable travel experience.

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Museum of Mountain Jew

Accommodation and dinning

Red Village Quba offers authentic, culturally immersive options for visitors seeking both comfort and tradition:

• Stay with locals: Local people offer local homestay in their warm homestay and guest rooms. There is also the possibility to book some options through local websites, which leads to direct communication with the Mountain Jews community.
• Short stay accommodation in the area: There is a wide range of short-term rentals, either studios or houses, located just across the river in Quba town. They provide privacy, up-to-date conveniences, and affordable budgets and hence are suitable in case of groups or families.
• Hotels in Quba: If you prefer more standard accommodation, there are a variety of hotels located about a twenty-minute drive outside of the village, including: budget hotels to luxury hotels. There are quaint boutique hotels, resorts with spas and hotels with stunning mountain or forest views.

Dining experiences in Red Village:

• Mountain Jewish Restaurant - situated close to the old arched bridge - offers traditional Mountain Jewish dishes – Geylo (spinach-based dish), Khoyahusht (egg, meat or vegetable stew), Shomokufte (minced meat cutlets) and festive Yarpagi cabbage rolls.
• Café in Restored Jewish Home: A heritage refurbished house coffee shop stock kosher-style nibbling and cultural welcoming through the refreshments.

Together, these options allow visitors to experience authentic hospitality and cuisine of Mountain Jewish culture in comfort and style.

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Where to stay and eat in Red Village Quba

How to get there

Getting to Red Village Quba is easy with picturesque landscapes as well. The best traveling choices are as follows:

• By Car or Taxi from Baku: It takes about 180km traveling distance northwest of Baku to Quba town. It is roughly 2-3 hours and is through very good paved roads featuring scenic countryside views.
• Shared Minibuses (Marshrutkas): Often, there are minibuses called which leave Baku main transport hubs and travel to Quba. The duration of travel is between 2.5 and 3 hours depending on interruptions.
• From Quba Town to Red Village: Entering Quba Town, pass over the small arched bridge over the Kudyal River by walk or taxi on to Red Village, right across.
• Guided tours: Tour operators conduct a day or overnight tours to Quba; usually a tour is accompanied with cultural walking tours and visiting sites.

Best time to visit

The best season to visit Red Village Quba lies in the late spring and beginning of the summer (May to September). The weather in such months is just comfortable, not too hot and not too cold with easy daytime and a bit colder night, which would be suitable to have relaxed walks around the village and visiting synagogues, absorbing views of mountains.

Avoid cold, snowy winters and some of the cultural sites will have restricted schedules. The summer (June to August) has a festive mood locally-rooted traditions are in full swing, streets are friendly, and there can be heritage events.

May or September are particularly advised with less throng of people and calm weather. These are the months of a nice mixture of pleasant weather and a less crowded experience.

Tips to visit Red Village Quba

Make the most of your visit to Red Village Quba with these helpful tips:

• Dress in a respectable way: Modest dress is welcome when one goes to synagogues. In certain areas you might be told to take off your shoes or get your head covered.
• Schedule around Shabbat: Shops and attractions might be closed on Fridays and on Saturdays, in observance of the Sabbath, especially in Orthodox cities and towns--inquire beforehand.
• Travel with a guide or local host: Local guides or homestay hosts can give extensive knowledge of Mountain Jewish culture, language (Judeo-Tat) and traditions.
• Carry small denominations: Most little stores and street sellers work on a cash basis particularly when it comes to handcrafted products, pies or regional refreshments.
• Be aware during photography: The village is beautiful but you should never photograph people without their consent particularly when there is a religious ceremony or festival.
• Patronize local enterprises: Go to the local Tourist Center, cafes, and stores; you not only buy their unique focus on Mountain Jewish heritage, but you also contribute to its popularity and continuance within the community.

FAQs about Red Village Quba

Discover the most common questions about Red Village Quba, covering its history, culture, location, and travel tips for visitors.

Is Red Village Quba open to tourists?

Yes, Red Village Quba is open to tourists. Visitors can explore its synagogues, museums, and cultural sites freely, often with local guides offering deeper insight into Mountain Jewish heritage.

How many people live in the Red Village?

Red Village today has an estimated population of around 3,000–4,000, although the number of permanent residents is lower, as many families have emigrated abroad and return mainly for holidays and summer seasons.

What can visitors see in Red Village Quba?

Visitors to Red Village Quba can see historic synagogues, the Museum of Mountain Jews, traditional red-roofed houses, Jewish cemeteries, and cultural landmarks that showcase centuries of Mountain Jewish heritage.

Do people still live in Red Village Quba?

Yes, people still live in Red Village Quba. The community is mainly Mountain Jews, with several thousand residents preserving their religious traditions, language, and cultural heritage while maintaining ties abroad.

In conclusion

Red Village Quba is an unusual place indeed and provides people with an opportunity to learn about the contemporaries of local Mountain Jews in Azerbaijan. It offers a glimpse of numerous centuries (historic synagogues, cultural museums and traditional homes) that can be experienced. Travelers can essentially travel to Quba easily without difficulties and have a marvelous cultural experience. Obtain Azerbaijan e-visa online to have a smooth visit as it is fast, easy and convenient to international visitors.