Ramallah's blacksmiths chisel out niche in modern market
Ramallah's blacksmiths work to preserve their profession and livelihood despite significant competition.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — As the temperature drops during the cold months of December and January, Ramallah's al-Haddadin Street — Arabic for blacksmiths — teems with life. This is the selling season for blacksmiths, who own the shops lining this street, since the demand peaks for handmade metal chimneys, as well as other furnishings for homes, restaurants and hotels.
Despite the modernity of the central West Bank city of Ramallah — a political, economic and cultural center — the workers of al-Haddadin Street still adamantly preserve their craft. They manage to preserve their identity and cultural heritage and also take into consideration modern designs that keep pace with industrial progress and the needs of Palestinians.
Al-Haddadin Street extends from the Clock Tower roundabout to the city's vegetable markets, where shops line both sides of narrow streets, leaving just enough room for the passage of a single car in one direction.
Shopkeeper Mohammed Rashed told Al-Monitor, “This street got its name from the blacksmith shops that started opening there about 70 years ago. There are now more than 20 stores providing a source of livelihood for dozens of workers and shopkeepers.”
