Ekhiil Matatov

Ekhiil Ruvinovich Matatov was a prominent figure in Soviet Dagestani politics and a notable writer in the Judeo-Tat language. Born in 1888, he went on to hold various significant positions within the government of the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. His roles included serving as the Prosecutor of the Dagestan ASSR and as the People's Commissar of Justice, demonstrating his influence in the region's legal and political spheres.

In addition to his political career, Matatov was a pioneering figure in Judeo-Tat literature and journalism. He is credited with founding The Toiler, the world's first newspaper published in the Judeo-Tat language. This endeavor underscored his commitment to promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of his community. However, his life took a turn in 1938 when he faced repression, a fate that ultimately cut short his contributions to both politics and literature in 1943, at the age of 55.