Larger regional map

Courland (Kurzeme in Latvian, Kurland in German) is the historically distinct area of modern day Latvia bounded by the Baltic Sea to the west, Lithuania to the south and the Dvina River (now Daugava) to the North. Its historic capital was Mitau (now Jelgava). Its geographical position, lying at the crossroads where east met west, and its ice-free Baltic ports (especially Libau, now Liepaja) gave it a commercial and strategic importance far greater than its geographical area. At its height Courland was a prosperous and cultured German-speaking Duchy proud of its traditions and history. Courland was a separate Gubernia [Province] of the Russian Empire from 1797-1918.

50-60% of the Jews living in Riga in the early 20th century had family roots in Courland. Dvinsk (now Daugavpils), a major Jewish centre, is only a river bank beyond the Courland borders. The Jewish population of Courland played a vital part in creation of the wealth of Courland and in the rich cultural life of the area. Families with Jewish Courland origins can be found all round the world.