- Title: Gazan sword maker continues age-old tradition
- Date: 16th November 2016
- Summary: GAZA CITY, GAZA (NOVEMBER 14, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BLACKSMITH WHO MAKES SWORDS IN GAZA, MUEEN ABU WADI, HAMMERING METAL MUEEN ABU WADI PUTTING SWORD IN VICE VARIOUS OF ABU WADI SHAPING SWORD MUEEN ABU WADI HANGING SWORD SWORDS HANGING (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BLACKSMITH WHO MAKES SWORDS IN GAZA, MUEEN ABU WADI, SAYING: "First of all this is a hobby for me. Second of all I inherited it (the making of swords) from my father, who inherited it from his father, and I want my son to inherit it from me. Because, swords are known to be a symbol of dignity and manhood. In the old times, the sword was the weapon of a knight." MUEEN ABU WADI EXAMINING SWORD VARIOUS OF MUEEN ABU WADI HAMMERING SWORD METAL BOY WATCHING MUEEN ABU WADI WORKING ON SWORD VARIOUS OF MUEEN ABU WADI SHAPING SWORD VARIOUS OF SWORD HANGING (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BLACKSMITH WHO MAKES SWORDS IN GAZA, MUEEN ABU WADI, SAYING: "The price of the sword starts from at least 500 Shekels (130 dollars), and there's no maximum. The price differs depending on what he wants in his sword. When it comes to money, it is not what I look for. To me, bringing the heritage back is more important than money. There are swords that I do not get any profit from, my aim is only to bring the heritage back. And to have swords in every house." SWORDS TILTED ON A PHOTO SWORDS HANGING (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BLACKSMITH WHO MAKES SWORDS IN GAZA, MUEEN ABU WADI, SAYING: "People who come to buy swords are old men who hang it as a display, in meeting halls, tents, and used by folklore dance teams who have brought back our heritage. Of course these folkloric dances can't be without a sword, all folkloric dance must include swords in them." VARIOUS OF CUSTOMER, ABED AL-MUNEM ABU WADI, EXAMINING SWORD (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) CUSTOMER, ABED AL-MUNEM ABU WADI, SAYING: "The making of swords has been around for a very long time, and it is part of our heritage. When we left our country in 1948, our parents had with them swords, horses, and knives, all which was part of our heritage, and in the old times, they fought wars with swords." VARIOUS OF ABED AL-MUNEM ABU WADI EXAMINING SWORD
- Embargoed: 1st December 2016 12:50
- Keywords: Gaza blackmith swords
- Location: GAZA CITY, GAZA
- City: GAZA CITY, GAZA
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA00158P1KR9
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Like his father before him, and his grandfather before that, blacksmith Mueen Abu Wadi is often found with hammer in hand in his workshop in Gaza crafting traditional Palestinian swords.
The swords are ornamental and often hung up in homes or public buildings, or used during traditional Palestinian dances.
The 47-year old has been working the trade since he was a boy, and the skills he has inherited have been passed down through the generations.
"First of all this is a hobby for me. Second of all I inherited it (the making of swords) from my father, who inherited it from his father, and I want my son to inherit it from me. Because, swords are known to be a symbol of dignity and manhood. In the old times, the sword was the weapon of a knight," said Abu Wadi from his workshop.
Abu Wadi says in an average month he makes around four swords.
Some months, however, power cuts in Gaza prevent him from working and he can only produce two.
This isn't the only problem associated with working in the coastal enclave - Abu Wadi also has to contend with a shortage of materials due to Israel's blockade of the Strip.
Metals is often acquired by being stripped from old cars.
Swords sell for at least 500 shekels (130 dollars), but can be sold for far more depending on what the customer requires.
But for Abu Wadi, he says his craft is worth a lot more than the money he makes.
"When it comes to money, it is not what I look for. To me, bringing the heritage back is more important than money. There are swords that I do not get any profit from, my aim is only to bring the heritage back. And to have swords in every house," he said.
A customer of Abu Wadi's said the sword is an important part of Palestinian history.
"When we left our country in 1948, our parents had with them swords, horses, and knives, all which was part of our heritage, and in the old times, they fought wars with swords," he said.
Mueen Abu Wadi wants to expand his project to sell across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and even further afield to countries throughout the Arab world. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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