I got inked at a tattoo parlor in Jerusalem that uses a 700-year-old technique I'd never seen before. Here's what it was like.

Jordan Parker ErbDec 3, 2022, 17:46 IST

Getting tattooed at Razzouk Tattoo was unlike anything I've ever experienced — and they're now some of my favorite pieces.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Razzouk Tattoo in Jerusalem has been run by the same family since the 1300s.
The artists use centuries-old stamps as stencils, which they then tattoo over using a tattoo gun.

Every time I travel, I'm on the hunt for timeless ways to commemorate my experience abroad. In Jerusalem, I found the ultimate permanent souvenir: tattoos from Razzouk Tattoo, a business that's been operating for 700 years.

The author outside Razzouk Tattoo in Jerusalem.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Every time I travel, I'm on the hunt for timeless ways to commemorate my experience abroad. In Jerusalem, I found the ultimate permanent souvenir: tattoos from Razzouk Tattoo, a business that's been operating for 700 years.

Five centuries ago, Wassim Razzouk's family moved from Egypt to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, staying to tattoo visitors to the city who came after them.

Wassim Razzouk in front of his parlor.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Razzouk uses hand-carved stamps that serve as stencils for their tattoos. They then press the stamp into ink and transfer it onto the customer, using it as an outline that they tattoo over with a traditional tattoo gun.

The two stamps that I chose to get tattooed.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Razzouk uses hand-carved stamps that serve as stencils for their tattoos. They then press the stamp into ink and transfer it onto the customer, using it as an outline that they tattoo over with a traditional tattoo gun.

The artists at Razzouk Tattoo can do different styles of tattoos, but the stamps are their specialty.

Some examples of the types of stamps available at Razzouk Tattoo.Photos courtesy of Wassim Razzouk/@razzouktattoo

I first heard about Razzouk's historical method of tattooing from my mom, who had already made an appointment during a family trip to Israel. A self-proclaimed tattoo aficionado, I knew I had to join her.

A road inside Jerusalem’s old city, where Razzouk Tattoo is located.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I first heard about Razzouk's historical method of tattooing from my mom, who had already made an appointment during a family trip to Israel. A self-proclaimed tattoo aficionado, I knew I had to join her.

Razzouk Tattoo offers the kind of no-frills experience I've come to expect from some tattoo shops in the United States — but with perhaps even fewer steps.

Inside the tattoo shop.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

With no paperwork to fill out, we were able to start tattooing almost straight away.

A book filled with stamps that customers can choose to get tattooed.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I got two small tattoos: an olive branch and a lion.

The author’s tattoos, a lion and an olive branch, were created from 400- and 200-year-old stamps.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Aside from how they're done, I thought the tattoos are the same as any of my other ink.

One of the tattoo artists pressing the stamp onto the author's wrist.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I can see how tattoos may not be the souvenir for everyone. But for the adventurous or impulsive traveler, or tattoo fans, I think it's a must-do experience.

Getting inked at Razzouk Tattoo is a must-do for the adventurous traveler.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

All of my tattoos have a story behind them, but these might just be my favorites.

Having a tattoo from Razzouk is like having a piece of history stamped onto your body.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

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I got inked at a tattoo parlor in Jerusalem that uses a 700-year-old technique I'd never seen before. Here's what it was like.

Every time I travel, I'm on the hunt for timeless ways to commemorate my experience abroad. In Jerusalem, I found the ultimate permanent souvenir: tattoos from Razzouk Tattoo, a business that's been operating for 700 years.

Five centuries ago, Wassim Razzouk's family moved from Egypt to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, staying to tattoo visitors to the city who came after them.

Razzouk uses hand-carved stamps that serve as stencils for their tattoos. They then press the stamp into ink and transfer it onto the customer, using it as an outline that they tattoo over with a traditional tattoo gun.

The artists at Razzouk Tattoo can do different styles of tattoos, but the stamps are their specialty.

I first heard about Razzouk's historical method of tattooing from my mom, who had already made an appointment during a family trip to Israel. A self-proclaimed tattoo aficionado, I knew I had to join her.

Razzouk Tattoo offers the kind of no-frills experience I've come to expect from some tattoo shops in the United States — but with perhaps even fewer steps.

With no paperwork to fill out, we were able to start tattooing almost straight away.

I got two small tattoos: an olive branch and a lion.

Aside from how they're done, I thought the tattoos are the same as any of my other ink.

I can see how tattoos may not be the souvenir for everyone. But for the adventurous or impulsive traveler, or tattoo fans, I think it's a must-do experience.

All of my tattoos have a story behind them, but these might just be my favorites.