«The history of Jews in Azerbaijan is a history of peaceful coexistence of peoples, an example of tolerance that must be studied and preserved for future generations.»
Mikhail Bekker is a historian, ethnographer, and Doctor of Historical Sciences — one of the foremost experts on the history of Jews in Azerbaijan. His academic work is devoted to the study of centuries-old Jewish presence on Azerbaijani soil, interfaith relations, and the cultural heritage of the Jewish communities of the Caucasus.
His fundamental monograph “Jews of Azerbaijan: History and Modernity” is considered the most comprehensive scholarly work on this subject. The book traces the history of Jewish communities from ancient times to the present day, covering Mountain, Ashkenazi, and Georgian Jews who have lived in Azerbaijan at various periods.
Mikhail Bekker holds the position of Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Law and Human Rights of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), where he continues his scholarly work at the intersection of history, law, and ethnography.
In addition to his academic career, Bekker serves as the chairman of the Ashkenazi Jewish News Portal of Azerbaijan — a role that allows him to combine scholarly knowledge with practical community leadership. Under his chairmanship, the community maintains an active cultural and social life, preserving the traditions and identity of Ashkenazi Jews in a multicultural Azerbaijani environment.
