Aziz-Khan Synagogue

Summer 2009

Aziz-Khan Synagogue

The Aziz Khan Synagogue was built in the 1920s. Although it lacks the distinctive architectural features of other synagogues, it is nevertheless considered one of the oldest synagogues in Tehran, with a history of over eighty years. Despite the construction of other synagogues and the departure of Jewish residents from the surrounding streets, Tefillah services are still held here on weekdays, especially on special occasions and Shabbat.

The Aziz-Khan Synagogue is considered the second synagogue to be constructed outside of the Oudlajan neighborhood, the first being Haim Synagogue. The two were less than a kilometer apart. Aziz-Khan Synagogue was on Hafez Road, Aziz-Khan Intersection, Eghtedar St., No. 3. It was built by Mashhadi Jews who had purchased a 260 square-meter land to construct their first synagogue in Tehran. They named it Beit El.

Although the synagogue was known as the Mashhadis’ Synagogue, it also gained a name for its location — the Aziz-Khan intersection. Notably, it housed Tehran’s first religious mikvah. However, by 1971, various factors, including the Jewish migration after the Islamic revolution, deterioration of the mikvah, and the establishment of other mikvahs, led to its closure.

With a capacity for 100 people, the synagogue hall was traditionally reserved for men, while women had a separate hall on the eastern side of the yard. Additionally, the synagogue featured semi-automatic machines for matzah preparation in the northern part of the yard, which operated until 1970. Chief Rabbis who served here included Rabbi Aryeh, Rabbi Yedidia Shofet, and Rabbi Yehoshu’a Neten Eli. The late Rabbi Yosef Deylamani was responsible for the Torah classes of this school.

Nowadays, the synagogue primarily hosts Tefillah services and special ceremonies like Kapparot in Av. The synagogue also uses every opportunity to deliver community aid to the needy. The synagogue is currently managed by Parviz Mina’i and David Yomtovyan.