In Search of the Vladikavkaz Synagogue: A Historical and Archival Investigation
The project's aim is a detailed archival study of the emergence of synagogues in Vladikavkaz during the time of Russian Empire.
This project explores the history of Jewish religious architecture in Vladikavkaz that became an example of an Ashkenazi Jewish settlement beyond the Pale of Settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By situating this local case within the broader imperial context, the project seeks to clarify several key issues. First, it examines how legal regulations towards synagogue construction outside the Pale were implemented in the North Caucasus. Second, it investigates how interactions with local authorities compared to similar experiences elsewhere in the Russian Empire. Lastly, it aims to identify the number and locations of synagogues in Vladikavkaz, thereby contributing to local lore studies.
The project combines a micro-historical approach to Russian Jewish history with a broader imperial perspective, focusing on comparative approach and regional distinctions. The research is based on archival materials from the Russian State Historical Archive and the Archive of the Republic of North Ossetia, supplemented by museum and library resources. The main outcome of the project will be an academic article.
The project leader is Semyon Padalko, PhD student (Sait Petersburg State University)
The project is carried out with the financial support of Alexander Klyachin.
Image: Postcard with a view of Vladikavkaz synagogue.