Tehran synagogues: the socio-cultural topographies and architectural typologies

Abstract

ABSTRACT A look at the past shows that Jews lived more or less in several neighbourhoods in Iran, where along with adhering to the communal life, their synagogues and religious sites existed. At the beginning of the Jewish settlement in the Oudlajan neighbourhood in Tehran, due to their growing population, there were about twelve synagogues belonging to the families and immigrants of particular cities and used for daily prayers. After the Islamic Revolution, the immigration of Iranian Jews from central parts to the north of Tehran and migration from Iran to other countries increased remarkably. At present, there are more than ten synagogues, hospitals, libraries, restaurants, etc., in Jewish neighbourhoods in central Tehran, which were formed in the modern and early-modern times. This study aims to investigate the typology of the synagogues of Tehran and their relationships with the surroundings. Data collection was based on personal interviews conducted with various groups and communities related to synagogues and visual documentation. Besides, I have carried out field research and several surveys using questionnaires that I distributed amongst the community and academics. This paper tries to identify the status of synagogues in various cities of Iran, especially Tehran.