Lost World of Monastir: Sephardic Jews in Ottoman and Yugoslav Macedonia

Summary of the Sephardic World presentation by David Mendoza on 1 September 2024

David Mendoza's talk offers a comprehensive look into the history of the Sephardic Jewish community in Monastir (also known as Bitola). While lamenting the lack of primary sources due to fires and wartime destruction, Mendoza constructs a narrative spanning centuries, piecing together fragments from secondary and tertiary sources, traveller accounts, and archival records.

He begins by exploring the origins of the community, tentatively placing their arrival around 1497, shortly after the expulsion from Spain. The presence of a congregation named "Kaldi Aragon" suggests roots in the Aragon region of Spain. However, definitive proof remains elusive. Early Ottoman censuses reveal a rapid population growth in the 16th century, and the speaker speculates on possible contributions from Portuguese Jews, though concrete evidence is lacking.

Mendoza highlights the discovery of entries in the Amsterdam Dotar register, revealing the presence of families from Monastir in the early 17th century, further suggesting a more interconnected Sephardic diaspora than previously thought. Intriguingly, connections with Venice emerge repeatedly, prompting speculation about continued trade routes and interactions between these communities.

Life under Ottoman rule, while offering protection under the Dhimmi laws, came with its share of restrictions and societal challenges. Mendoza mentions anecdotal accounts of discriminatory regulations regarding clothing and reports of forced conversions. The community's strong support for the false messiah Shabbetai Zevi also underscores the complexities of their religious life.

The talk highlights significant events impacting the community, particularly the devastating fire of 1863 which left the majority homeless. While the Ottoman government provided some aid, the community also received support from international Jewish organizations, including Sir Moses Montefiore and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

The late 19th century witnessed a decline in the community's fortunes due to economic downturns and the influx of Muslim refugees following the Russo-Turkish War. The speaker emphasizes the city's strategic importance as a powder keg in Balkan politics, attracting numerous European consulates whose archives might hold valuable insights into Jewish life in Monastir.

Despite these challenges, the community maintained a vibrant social and cultural life, as evidenced by the presence of nine synagogues and various social and cultural organizations. The arrival of the Alliance Israélite Universelle in 1895 marked a turning point, promoting modern education and contributing to the decline of Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish language.

The talk also discusses the impact of Zionism on the community, particularly in the interwar period. With emigration increasing and options dwindling due to restrictive immigration policies in the United States and elsewhere, Palestine became a focal point for many, leading to the establishment of a Monastir community in Jerusalem.

Sadly, the narrative culminates in the tragic destruction of the Monastir community during the Holocaust. With the Bulgarian occupation of Macedonia in 1941, anti-semitic measures intensified, ultimately leading to the deportation of the community to the Treblinka extermination camp in 1943. Mendoza emphasizes the near-total annihilation of the community, with only a handful surviving due to their connections with partisan groups.

He concludes by highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of the Monastir Jews, referencing researchers like Yaakov Aresti and Schlomo Alboher who have documented the community's history. He encourages further exploration of archival materials, particularly those held in institutions outside of Monastir, which may have escaped destruction.

The talk ends with a poignant reflection on the responsibility to remember these "small communities" and uncover their stories, ensuring that their heritage is not forgotten.

David Mendoza's website.