Threads of History Unrevealed: A Journey through the Izmir Jewish Textiles
In a significant milestone for the exploration and preservation of Jewish heritage, the AEPJ associate and board member Kiriaty Foundation International is delighted to announce the publication of a groundbreaking book resulting from the six-year-long project dedicated to the Izmir Jewish Textiles. The culmination of this extensive endeavor is encapsulated in the meticulously crafted pages of “A Legacy Revealed – The Izmir Collection of Ceremonial Synagogue Textile.”
The rescue of the ritual Jewish textiles collection in Izmir was part of a large project for the preservation of Jewish heritage in Izmir initiated by Ms. Judith Kiriaty Matalon the president of the Kiriaty Foundation, and which included the restoration and preservation of a district of nine historic synagogues in the old city of Izmir. The rescue, conservation, and documenting of a unique collection of 325 Jewish textiles, and the restoration of about 50 textile items, was carried out during six years by textile conservation students under the guidance of Dr. Anna Hakari from the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
The driving force behind this remarkable publication is Professor Bracha Yaniv, whose dedication and expertise have transformed this project into a serious research and analysis book. Prof. Yaniv conducted this research in collaboration with Dr. Tamar Shadmi meticulous work focusing on the Izmir Judaica Textile, unreveling the historical significance of the 325 ritual Jewish textile items discovered and preserved within the Izmir Jewish community.
The book, now available in three languages – Hebrew, English, and Turkish – stands as a cornerstone for comprehending the role of Jewish ritual textiles in the broader Jewish world. The Conservation and Restoration work conducted by textile conservation students from Helsinki Metropolia University played a pivotal role in rescuing and preserving this rare collection.
The dedication inscriptions meticulously embroidered on the textile items provide a unique lens into the history and heritage of the Izmir Jewish community. Prof. Bracha Yaniv’s deciphering of these inscriptions unveils a compelling narrative, offering insights into the community’s journey from the late 19th century through the tumultuous period of the Two World Wars.
Recognizing the scholarly value of this work, Prof. Yaniv has been invited to give Textile Judaica lectures at the Faculty of Judaism in Bar Ilan University during the upcoming academic year. Moreover, this research book will be integrated into the curriculum, becoming a mandatory reference for Judaica students at the esteemed institution.
The Kiriaty Foundation is actively engaged in the distribution of the book, ensuring its accessibility to a global audience. Online versions are available at prominent institutions such as the Jewish Art Center of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Israel National Library, and the Metropolia University of Helsinki.
As a testament to their commitment to the dissemination of knowledge, the Kiriaty Foundation invites the AEPJ community to share and promote this invaluable resource. The foundation is pleased to grant access to the three final internet versions of the book, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the content by prohibiting any unauthorized alterations.
The Kiriaty Foundation International invites all enthusiasts of Judaic Jewish ritual textiles to delve into the rich tapestry of “A Legacy Revealed – The Izmir Collection of Ceremonial Synagogue Textile.” This publication not only contributes to the understanding of Jewish heritage but also serves as a tribute to the dedication and Collaborative efforts by experts from three countries: Turkey, Israel and Finland, that brought this project to fruition.
