This morning Rafael Nektalov rang me. This morning Rafael Nektalov rang me. «Erin, today is a very important day,» he said. «24 years ago I started this newspaper—the first weekly Bukharian community newspaper.»
In an age when newspapers, particularly print newspapers, are struggling and even dying out, the paper of record for the Bukharian diaspora remains a beacon of hope, a promise of resilience, and a living archive of Bukharian Jewish life, connecting the community across borders and generations. Even as the world turns to digital, that The Bukharian Times still stands is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its voice and story. Yet it’s widely read globally—not only by Bukharians, but also by Uzbeks and even European academics.
I joined the paper three years ago. I started as an outsider—one who was warmly welcomed into the community—and after three years of reporting and getting to know this vibrant, growing community, I feel closer to it than my own fellow Ashkenazis.
The paper serves as a window into a tight-knit community that I would have otherwise never known about, despite having a Master’s on Central Asia, and being Jewish myself.
For the last three years, we’ve published family recipes, showcased the enduring magic of Shashmaqom, covered academic conferences in Istanbul, Washington, DC, and Uzbekistan, and addressed diplomatic relations between the US, Israel, and Uzbekistan, as well as Jewish life in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
I joined the Bukharian Jewish delegation to Washington, D.C. in Spring 2024 where we met with our congressional representatives and other leaders; I also joined the small delegation to Azerbaijan in May 2024 and visited the world’s last shtetl and the only museum dedicated to Mountain Jews. In Bhutan, I crossed paths with Magnum photographer Gueorgui Pinkhassov who has an archive of Bukharian photographs from the Soviet era. (My interview with him came out in the last English issue, 1248.)
In New York, I’ve attended the illustrious JIQ Gala and networking events for Bukharian youth like the Bukharian Jewish Union’s summer rooftop soirée. The best party, hands down, was Ilya Zavulunov’s 45th bash.
I joined the JFK Terminal 4 crowds in welcoming back heroic Bukharian IDF soldier Jeremy Sofiev from Israel. I visited the Ohel with ministers and leaders from Israel.
I took a Bukharian dance class from Jewish «star» Malika Kalontarova, People’s Artist of the USSR. I belly laughed at Handa-Handa Theater’s «Am-Yisrael Chai & Ronen» comedy show. I also visited the city’s best-kept secret: the Bukharian Jewish Museum.
I’ve enjoyed publishing stories about family histories and returns or first-time visits to Uzbekistan—and to the museum. About shabbatons and weddings in Spain. About the thriving Jewish community in Vienna—the Bukharian community celebrating its 50th anniversary there. Reflections about Israel’s momentous statehood in 1948. Seeing leadership pass from Boris Kandov to Chagit Leviev, and learning about growing communities around the US and Canada—even the rise of young Bukharian lawyers.
It’s been my absolute honor to bear witness to and chronicle your community. Thank you, Rafael, for your vision and dedication. Here’s to 24 more years!