Preserving the Heritage of Margilan — A History That Must Live On
In the heart of Margilan — an ancient city on the Great Silk Road — lies a quiet place of remembrance. This is the old Jewish cemetery, founded, according to researchers, as far back as the 17th century. Here rest generations of Bukharian Jews — people who for centuries lived, worked, and built this region.
But today, this place is slowly disappearing.
Every gravestone is not just a stone. It is:
- a name that no one is left to speak
- the story of a family scattered across the world
- a memory of a life cut short by wars, migrations, and time
Once, the Jewish community of Margilan was part of the rich cultural mosaic of the Fergana Valley. But in the 20th century, especially after the mass relocations and events of the late Soviet era, most Jews left the region. Today their heritage remains unprotected.
Preserving the cemetery and synagogue is not only about the past. It is about:
- Cultural memory: lost heritage cannot be restored
- Historical justice: these people were part of the region's history
- Generational connection: descendants seek their roots but find ruins
- Cultural dialogue: Margilan has always been a crossroads of civilisations
If we lose this place — we lose an entire chapter of Central Asian history.
Time, weather conditions, and neglect are taking their toll:
- gravestones are crumbling
- inscriptions are fading away
- the grounds are overgrown and disappearing
Your help is not just a contribution.
It is preserved history, respect for the past, and a bridge to the future.
Donation