Museum of Georgian-Jewish Friendship in Kulashi – History, Culture and Traditions
Visit the Museum of Georgian-Jewish Friendship in Kulashi, a rare example of preserving Jewish heritage in Georgia. Learn about the history of the Jewish community, traditions and culture.
🏛 The Museum of Georgian-Jewish Friendship in Kulashi is a unique historical place that reflects the deep and warm ties between Georgians and Jews. Georgia has always stood out among other countries for its special attitude towards the Jewish community, which has been an integral part of the country's cultural and social life for centuries.
🌍 This museum not only tells about the past, but also preserves the memory of the people who lived here, their traditions and contribution to the development of Georgia.
Historical background
📜 Kulashi – "Little Jerusalem" in Georgia
📅 The history of the Jewish community in Kulashi dates back to the 15th century, when the Mikeladze princes brought Jews here from the Ottoman Empire. Over time, the settlement became a center of Jewish life, with synagogues, schools, craft workshops, and shops appearing here.
✡ In the 20th century, more than 5,000 Jews lived in Kulashi, and there were as many as five synagogues in a small area, emphasizing the importance of this place for Jewish culture.
🏛 Creation of a museum
📅 In the 2000s, when almost all the Jews left Kulashi, local residents decided to preserve their memory by opening a museum that contains archival documents, household items, photographs and books left over from the Jewish community.
🎥 It is important to note that this is one of the few museums in Georgia dedicated to Jewish heritage, and its exhibits are priceless evidence of the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples.
Museum exposition
🖼 The museum presents many exhibits that allow you to better understand the life and culture of the Jewish population of Kulashi:
- 📜 Documents and manuscripts - historical records, letters, archival materials.
- 📖 Rare books and Tanakhs - a collection of sacred texts and religious books.
- 🎨 Photographs - pictures of Kulashi residents, their homes, synagogues, holidays and family celebrations.
- 🏺 Household items - traditional tableware sets, copper and silver items.
- ✡ Religious relics - Torah scrolls, candelabra, ritual objects.
- 🎭 Jewish clothing - traditional outfits of the Jewish community of Georgia.
- 🕍 Synagogue models - reconstruction of old Jewish temples of Kulashi.
🕍 A special place in the exhibition is occupied by the history of the fifth synagogue, which has undergone several restorations and still preserves elements of the original 15th century architecture.
Practical information
- 📍 Address: Kulashi village, Samtredia municipality, Imereti, Georgia
- 📞 Contact phone: +995 599 75 25 18
- 📅 Opening hours: daily, 10:00 – 18:00
- 🎟 Ticket price: free admission
🚗 How to get there?
- By car – convenient access from Kutaisi and Samtredia.
- By public transport – minibuses and buses from nearby cities.
✨ The Museum of Georgian-Jewish Friendship in Kulashi is a living testimony to the centuries-old relations between Georgians and Jews.
📖 It contains unique exhibits reflecting the life, culture and religion of the Jewish community of Georgia.
🌍 A visit to the museum will be an educational and inspiring experience for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region.
🎟 Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past and discover the rich Jewish heritage of Georgia!
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take photos in the museum?
📸 Yes, but without a flash, so as not to damage the archival materials.
Are there excursions?
🎤 Yes, the guides tell in detail about the life of the Jewish community of Kulashi.
Can I buy souvenirs?
🛍 No, but you can find themed souvenirs in neighboring towns.
How long does a visit to the museum last?
⏳ On average – 40–50 minutes.
Is there information in the museum in English?
📚 Yes, the main exhibition materials are translated into English.
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