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Isaac Hakim Synagogue by Alfred Schohamburg
The year 1965

Temple or Synagogue of Isaac Hakim

Specifications of the building complex: The permit to build this synagogue was issued to the Tehran Jewish Committee in the beginning of the 1960s. Construction was completed before the end of the decade. The proposal was submitted in 1962-3 and the construction as complete in 1970.

Founders: The Hakim father and brothers

Plan design, supervision, and calculations: Engineer Mansour Makabi and Engineer Amir Shoushani

Building location: A 1,000 squared-meter (40*25) land on Zafaraniyeh, Shemiran, Eshagh-e Hakim Road
Constructed building area: Approximately 650 square-meters, including office rooms, reception hall, synagogue courtyard, and other facilities and services.
Area of the synagogue and its facilities: Approximately 500 square meters, including the entrance, library, separate spaces for women and men.
Dimensions of Synagogue Hall: The hall of the synagogue is an octagonal structure with pillars that are 17*17 meters.
A separate hall has been designed as a reception with an area of 90 square-meters. A security room for guards and administrative purposes has also been designed with an area of 96 square-meters.
Height from the baseline of the octagonal dome to the floor is approximately 14 meters.
The maximum capacity of the synagogue is 400 people.

Specifications of the building: The large hall and the area beneath the dome is reserved for men. The eastern and northern annexes have been designed for women, and the rows of seats are arranged in a stepped manner so that they can easily be seen from the synagogue hall and the platform (Torah ark and Hechal).

Sound broadcasting: The hall of this synagogue is built in such a way that sound is broadcast to all worshipers and attendees without a microphone, and the ceiling is specially designed to deliver the acoustics and sound diffusion required. Seating has been arranged to allow worshippers to sit closely together, fostering an intimate atmosphere for prayer to the Almighty and Eternal God.

Facilities: This synagogue is the only synagogue equipped with an air conditioning system.

The Principles of the synagogue architecture (The Isaac Hakim Temple): The architectural principles of this synagogue are inspired by the ancestral tents or the “Tent of Meetings” that the Israelites prayed in, which are mentioned frequently in the fifth book of the holy Torah. The design is also inspired by the fact that the synagogue was built for Iranian Jews. Therefore, an octagonal Iranian architecture has been incorporated in the design. Design-wise, there probably is no counterpart for this synagogue.

Urban Planner and Architect: Engineer Mansour Makabi

Ishaq Hakim Synagogue from above
Winter 2010

Ishaq Hakim Synagogue
Winter 2010

1335-1275

Shadarvan Ishaq Mokhtar Hakim

1335-1275

The Hakim Synagogue was founded by Eshagh (Isaac) Hakim in 1953. Acting to his will, the synagogue was expanded by Isaac’s children and his wife, Tuba Hakim. The building was inaugurated with its modern design in 1970.