Soraya Shahidy Breaks The Abstinence Of Tattoos In Afghanistan

Tattoo artist Soraya Shahidy serves customers in Kabul, Afghanistan (Mohammad Ismail / Antara, Reuters)

JAKARTA - Soraya Shahidy carefully placed a stencil on Nargis Merzayi's arm before putting on a new tattoo at her salon in the Afghan capital, Kabul. Tattoos are a normal routine in studios around the world, but not in Afghanistan.

In this conservative country Shahidy's art is taboo. The opinion of the majority of the country's scholars, tattoos are prohibited by Islam. It is also what makes Shahidy sure that she is the first female tattoo artist in Afghanistan.

"I could do this profession abroad. But I want to do it in Afghanistan because there are no female tattoo artists in this country," he told Reuters, quoted Monday, November 30.

Shahidy, now 27, studied in Turkey and Iran. He emphasized that his artwork is valid in Islam. "I believe that not only men can apply tattoos. Women can do it too."

"Some scholars say tattoos are prohibited. But there are other scholars who say the opposite," said Shahidy.

Shahidy added, currently more and more young people in Afghanistan are interested in getting tattooed. "Most clients want tattoos on their wrists, arms, neck and legs."

"Girls are more attracted to subtle tattoo designs like flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, or the names of their loved ones. But some boys go for more bizarre designs."

A client, he said, wanted a tattoo of a tombstone reading "volunteer death". Shahidy's client who was being drawn during the interview, Merzayi, had been interested in getting a tattoo for a long time and finally decided to go ahead with designs on the inside of her forearm.

"My tattoo is in Hindi handwriting which means courage," he said.

Like many in the country, Shahidy is contemplating a possible return to power by the Taliban, who are holding peace talks with the Afghan government to end two decades of war.

However, he expressed his belief that the country has changed dramatically since hardline Islamic groups were toppled in 2001. "We are not people who can easily lose the achievements we have achieved over the past few years."