Islamic Calligraphy in West Bank

From Al Khalil, in the West Bank, Faisal Shahada, an 81-year-old Islamic calligrapher, has seen his income double during the month of Ramadan, because customers are keen to purchase his artistic renderings of Quran verses to hang in their homes during the holy month.

Mr. Shahada said, "I started my career - it was my hobby to know Arabic calligraphy when I was in the second or third class. I was around 10 or 11 years old. God gave me this hobby, I wanted to write"

Mr. Shahada, who began his career in 1950, is eager to pass on his talent to young, aspiring calligraphers, because it is a skill in popular demand in the Palestinian territory, despite tough economic times.

He added, "During Ramadan we work hard to write these statements for the people to enjoy them in Ramadan. When I write these words I feel closer to God. This is worship"

Elsewhere in the West Bank, the month of Ramadan is made difficult for many because of the high unemployment rate; the United Nations reports that around a quarter of West Bank Palestinians are unemployed.

Speaker:
Faisal Shahada, a Palestinian calligrapher

Voice: Bilal Alansarey