Dear Friends,
I, Anatoly Binyaminov, offer you the opportunity to acquire a unique collection for a national-level project. This collection could serve as the basis for a national scientific exhibition center on the history, culture, everyday life, and spiritual heritage of the Jewish community from the Caucasus.
1. History of the Mountain Jewish collection
The systematic collection, research, and documentation of exhibits began in 1963 in Azerbaijan, in close collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic.
From 1993 to the present, materials have been acquired in Israel for the purpose of preserving them.
Today, the collection, part of the scientifically separate exhibition «History, Culture, and Everyday Life of the Jewish Community from the Caucasus,» includes over 4,000 exhibits, including: clothing, jewelry, books, paintings, documents, archives, household utensils, and more. This exhibition has been held in Baku, Guba, Derbent, and other cities in Israel. There is potential for holding the exhibition abroad – in Canada, the USA, Germany, Russia, and other countries.
2. Scientific value
Rare ethnographic materials, household items, traditional and spiritual objects, documents and research for scientific papers, previously unpublished photographs, rare books, sources attesting to the phenomenal features of community organization and resilience, and a well-developed public diplomacy for self-preservation.
3. The Mountain Jewish Community Phenomenon
The Mountain Jewish community of the Caucasus represents a singular case of cultural survival. The collection illuminates their history, social structure, cuisine, and traditions — as well as their contributions to neighboring peoples and their enduring presence in culture, religion, labor, science, and military life.
4. Exhibition Perspective
The proposed material could be used to create a permanent museum exhibition, a research center, an archive and digital database, traveling exhibitions and galleries, international conferences, revive folk crafts, publish thematic calendars, and conduct scientific work and research. Developing promising themes that help unite disparate communities into a single people, identifying commonalities in history and culture, traditions, and religion.
5. Potential Partners of the Center
• AMI – Museum of the Jewish People
• Israel Museum
• National Library of Israel
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The project can be implemented in partnership with museum and scientific instit utions in Israel and interested international organizations.
6. Implementation Model
The collection is offered for acquisition by state or public institutions. Possible models include: establishment of a joint research center; transfer of the collection with the author serving as scientific curator; or development as an international grant project. The estimated starting price of $80,000 represents an investment in a ready-made, scientifically documented exhibition platform.
7. Role of the Collection Author
Continuing scientific and project support. Participates in the exhibition’s development. Conducts lectures and research. Ensures scientific continuity. Provides additional information.
Sincerely,
Anatoly Binyaminov
February 24, 2026
Anatoly Binyaminov is a collector and researcher, public figure, chemical engineer, writer in Tirat Carmel, Israel. He can be reached at: +972 53 6233 598 and myprojects99@gmail.com.