فارسیMollah Nisan Synagogue, Isfahan, Spring 2011
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The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
History
According to the information that exists, the construction of the Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan was completed in 5675 Hebrew Calendar, or 1915 AC. The leader’s stand was constructed in 5680 Hebrew, or 1920 AC by Ibrahim and Eshagh Sasooun.
Architecture
The unique design and appearance of the synagogue
Although, unlike other synagogues, Molla Nisan Synagogue uses a simple façade, it stands out as one of Isfahan’s most stunning synagogues. Situated approximately a meter below street level, its octagonal entranceway guides visitors towards the worshipping hall and the synagogue yard, the worshipping hall being accessible via the northeastern exit. While this synagogue resembles previous synagogues in terms of its overall structure, the manner in which its roof is covered and supported differs from the others.
The Torah ark
The synagogue holds one of the most beautiful Torah arks, adorned with an abundance of intricate decorations. Decorative columns are also visible on the western façade. The synagogue features two large windows on the western façade, positioned symmetrically in relation to the Torah shrine.
Women’s section
The women’s section is on a separate floor at the eastern side of the synagogue, designed such that it appears to be an extension of the main structure. While the windows on the eastern side provide natural lighting for the women’s section, while strategically placed brickwork shields it from external view.
The sense of direction in the synagogue
Similar to the Molla Yaghoub Synagogue, the structure of the Molla Nisan Synagogue is completely symetrical and centric. The only element that gives a sense of direction is the Torah ark, which faces Jerusalem. It is believed that the architect of the synagogue was a short Muslim and has designed the Torah ark based on Islamic mihrabs.
Synagogue address
The address of the synagogue is Joubareh Neighborhood, Kamal Street, Mahi Forooshan Intersection.
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Design of the Inside
The hall walls are designed with tiles in seven color, flatly over imposed on a layer of turquoise background. The surfaces are framed in a diamond shape, and each frame showcases a vase filled with flowers. Lilies play a significant role in these images. The colors green, pink, red, and yellow dominate the artwork, although blue and black have been used too.
The columns in the Melanis Synagogue extend from a simple column base to a smooth, uniform, and equal-sized column shaft, culminating in a capital. These capitals feature scrolls that, at first glance, resemble the capitals of ancient Greek columns, but upon closer inspection, reveal a distinct style in their form, angle, and embellishments.
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
Ornate Decorations in the Mollah Nisan Synagogue
Intricate Adornments
The Mollah Nisan Synagogue’s hall is richly adorned, with intricate decorations that in some cases extend upward to the squinch of the dome and even beneath the skylight. These intricate decorations create a visually stunning space.
Colors and Decorative Elements
The hall’s distinctive appeal owes to the light blue hue featured in the decorations, while the background of the octagonal skylight’s marginal frames, which contain Hebrew inscriptions, is painted in azure.
Unique Decorations
The area beneath the squinch — on the side of the main hall facing the prayer sanctuary (mihrab) — features unique colored ornamentation. Dominated by azure and brown, these decorations are applied with brushstrokes to create a textured appearance.
The borders are adorned with floral and arabesque motifs. Large decorative panels are also embellished with substantial arabesque patterns. Additionally, the muqarnas (stalactite-like ornamentation) on the half-columns flanking the mihrab are gilded in the Qajar style.
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
Prayer Leaders
The leaders of this synagogue include Molla Nisan, Yahuda Gabai, among others. Nowadays, the Kamel family manage the synagogue. The synagogue was renovated and re-opened during a ceremony in 2019 with help from the Cultural Heritage of Isfahan’s Office.
Popularity
In previous years, this synagogue bustled with activity as numerous worshippers gathered to fulfill their religious obligations. During traditional ceremonies like Yom Kippur, where Jews traditionally dressed in white attire adorned with embroidered or yellow accents, it would be difficult to find a place to sit.
Source
This text has been produced with the help of Mrs. Pegah Noghreian. Sources include Mrs. Noghreian’s Master’s Degree thesis, Rafael Sedighpour’s Master’s Degree thesis, and the notes of Bijan Khakshour.
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
Molla Nisan
Birth and education
In 1862, Molla Nisan was born in Dardasht, Isfahan, into a religious family. While young, he studied philosophy, Jewish jurisprudence, Hebrew, and Arabic, becoming a master not only in Judaism and Kabbala, but also knowledgeable in other religions and the Quran – sources which blessed him with heavenly virtues and ascended him to the position of Jewish leader.
Building the synagogue
Being childless, Molla Nisan sought to leave his legacy in a unique manner. In 1913, he embarked on the construction of a synagogue, but the construction was met with opposition. He argued that the building would serve as a place for worship and remembrance of God. Eventually, construction continued thanks to a Muslim cleric who issued a religious decree permitting the construction, with the condition that it remained shorter than the surrounding buildings.
Assistance by other Jews
Upon receiving the news, Molla Nisan wasted no time and personally started excavating the ground. Although he and his wife had taken it upon themselves to provide the finances needed for constructing the synagogue, but they could not raise enough. Hence, other Jewish community members contributed to the project, offering their skills and expertise free of charge as laborers, pouring in their diverse talents and professions.
Molla and wife’s profession
Molla Nisan himself was a merchant of Naini robes (a kind of cloak), earning his livelihood through this trade. Additionally, thanks to the tireless efforts of his wife in weaving, she raised the money to purchase a glorious light for the synagogue that would keep their names alive as it enlightens the synagogue too. The light was sold a few years ago.
The Molla Nisan Synagogue of Isfahan,Spring 2011
Molla’s Pilgrimage and Devotion to Iran
Molla Nisan set out on a pilgrimage to Beit al-Maqdes in 1933, where he was warmly welcomed by all the rabbis there during his three months stay. However, when it was time for him to return, no matter how much his peers insisted, Molla Nisan refused to stay, a clear sign of his deep devotion to Iran and Isfahan.
Molla’s death
Eight years prior to his passing, Molla Nisan suffered a fall that resulted in a leg injury, which unfortunately never healed. Despite enduring constant pain, he maintained his unwavering commitment to hard work. On 20th February 1923 his condition deteriorated significantly, his strength gradually waned, and he eventually succumbed to the illness. This Jewish leader left to the eternal world on a Thursday morning, 25th February 1923.
His grave is in Serah Bat Asher’s Tomb, next to his wife’s grave, under a shade. The grave has been marked for those who would like to visit.
A perspective on the cultural heritage of Isfahan Jews “Molla Nisan Synagogue”