ACHCO has recently completed the conservation of the historic Yu Aw synagogue and Hammam-e Mosaie in the old city of Herat, in a quarter that was until the mid-20th century home to a sizeable Jewish community. Both buildings were in a poor state of repair at the start of the project and the synagogue in particular required structural intervention to prevent the collapse of the central dome, which retains distinctive painted plaster decoration. The brick masonry domes and vaults of the hammam had to be largely re-built, with the traditional hypocaust heating system restored. Following the formal handover of both buildings on 14th September 2024, the synagogue will serve as a community library and for exhibition of local crafts, while it is anticipated that the hammam will be open to the public in the near future. Financial support for the project was made available by the ALIPH Foundation.

Location : Herat