فارسیYazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
History
Hakham Synagogue stands as one of the oldest synagogues in Yazd, Iran. This precious historical structure is located in the central district of Yazd, on Ghiyam Street, in Lab-khandagh Alley, near Kaghaz-sazi Alley. Initially known as the “Moshe Tavakol Synagogue,” its architectural style and design date back to the Safavid era, possibly even earlier. After renovation and reconstruction by a man named “Hakham” around 150 years ago, it was renamed to “Hakham Synagogue”.
Architecture
Plan
The synagogue’s land area measures approximately 140 square meters, while its total floor area, including the upper level, is close to 200 square meters. The building’s layout is square-shaped, and its interior is covered with vaults. It features two Hechals (i.e. Torah Arks) on the western side, marked by a wooden door. These sanctuaries once housed several Torah scrolls written on parchment. However, due to disuse and deterioration, the synagogue’s religious books and Torah scrolls were transferred to the Mullah Sadr Synagogue for preservation. The upper floor, partially constructed over the alleyway, was dedicated to women and had a separate staircase located outside the building, in the corner of an adjacent dead-end.
Design
The synagogue’s entrance is located on the corner of the eastern side. The Dukhan (leader’s stand) sits in the middle, where the Shaliach Tzibbur (i.e. prayer leader) stands. The primary building materials used in the synagogue’s construction are mudbrick and adobe, while bricks and plaster are employed in the facade’s ornamentation and interior reinforcement. The wainscot is constructed with bricks laid in a stretch-and-header pattern. The piers and walls are constructed with bricks laid horizontally and in a coursed pattern. The upper sections of the walls are adorned with an inscription in Hebrew script, encompassing verses from the Psalms of David praising and glorifying God.
While the synagogue’s architecture is relatively simple, it holds significant cultural and historical value. The plasterwork inscriptions of verses from the Psalms in Hebrew script, adorning the upper sections of the walls with praise and reverence for God.
State Recognition
A significant feature of this synagogue is that it was among the first synagogues identified and registered for preservation in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque of Yazd.
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
Yazd – Hakham Synagogue, Spring 2010
