Repaired ouds carry sound of resilience in Gaza workshop

In the heart of the Nuseirat refugee camp, nestled within the labyrinthine streets of central Gaza, a quiet revolution is taking place. It begins not with grand gestures or public declarations, but with the gentle pluck of an oud string. This is the story of Suhail Abu Shawish, a 60-year-old craftsman whose life's work has transformed into a symbol of resilience amid the ongoing conflict. In a modest, makeshift workshop surrounded by the remnants of war—wooden pallets, fragments of aid crates, and broken instruments—Abu Shawish spends his days restoring ouds, the traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument. Each repaired oud represents more than just a return to music; it signifies hope, cultural preservation, and the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to let their heritage fade away.

The journey began during the recent war in Gaza, which left entire neighborhoods in ruins and countless lives disrupted. As the violence escalated, many residents were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas such as the southern city of Rafah. Abu Shawish was among them. Displaced and separated from his family, he eventually made his way back to his home in the Nuseirat camp, where he established his workshop amidst the debris of war. Despite the lack of resources—a proper workshop, stable electricity, and access to quality materials—he has continued his craft, driven by both necessity and passion.

Abu Shawish learned to play the oud in the 1980s, a time when music played a vital role in Palestinian cultural expression. Over the years, he honed his skills, working with various institutions and becoming an expert in the conservation and restoration of musical instruments. His expertise has allowed him to navigate the challenges of his current situation. Without access to traditional woods used in oud-making, he has turned to unconventional sources. Discarded food aid crates provide the necessary wood scraps, and even damaged instruments are repurposed to create new ones. This ingenuity reflects not only his technical skill but also his deep connection to the art form he cherishes.

The process of repairing an oud is painstaking. Using only manual tools, Abu Shawish meticulously cuts, files, and glues together pieces that many might consider irreparable. Each step requires patience and precision, as the goal is to restore the instrument to its former glory. Customers bring their damaged ouds, often wrapped in black plastic, hopeful that they can reclaim the unique sound that defines this instrument. For Abu Shawish, these moments are victories, small yet significant, against the backdrop of widespread destruction.

However, the challenges are immense. The soaring costs of basic materials have made it increasingly difficult for artisans like Abu Shawish to sustain their work. Glue, once affordable, now commands a price that strains even the most dedicated craftsmen. Similarly, the absence of reliable electricity forces him to rely solely on manual labor, extending the time required to complete each project. These obstacles highlight the broader economic and logistical struggles faced by Palestinians in Gaza, where access to essential goods and services remains limited.

Despite these difficulties, Abu Shawish remains undeterred. His workshop, filled with the sounds of music and the scent of wood, stands as a testament to human perseverance. As he finishes the final touches on a newly restored oud, the sound that emerges is more than just music—it is a reminder of the strength and creativity of a community striving to rebuild its future. For Abu Shawish, the work continues, not just as a means of survival, but as a commitment to preserving a piece of Palestinian identity in a world that often overlooks it.