Razzouk Tattoo

The tradition of Christian pilgrims receiving tattoos has been documented since the 8th century. In Coptic Christianity specifically, tattooing was often done to identify oneself as a Christian—similar to wearing a crucifix or cross necklace. It was seen as a reminder and verification of one's faith, and a way of making it impossible to apostatize. They initially tattooed customers in the courtyards of churches before acquiring their current storefront. Jersuis Razzouk, a Coptic priest, was the primary practitioner of the family at the time, settling in Jerusalem in 1750. Prior to the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, several other families provided tattoos to pilgrims in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jaffa; the Razzouk family is the only remaining tattooist family after the establishment of the modern state of Israel. ==Operation==

Razzouk uses wooden blocks with tattoo images carved into them which double as both a catalogue and pseudo-stencil; ink is placed on the stencil, the block is pressed upon the skin, leaving behind a trace of ink which guides the needle. A practice existed in the 20th century for virgin women to have an Annunciation design as a prayer for fertility. Notable recipients of tattoos from Razzouk include Haile Selassie—last emperor of Ethiopia—and Fr. Mike Schmitz, host of The Bible in a Year podcast. Members of the American pop band OneRepublic have also been tattooed by Razzouk, as well as Evangelical pastor Matt Chandler. It is speculated that Razzouk may have given tattoos to Prince Albert Edward (the future King Edward VII), Prince Albert Victor, and Prince George (the future King George V). Hundreds of Allied troops received tattoos during World War II. , the parlor's owner estimated he tattooed between 300 and 400 pilgrims a year, with other family members tattooing additional customers, occasionally going to hotels to do so due to demand. ==References==