SKATEISTAN

Two weeks ago, Skateistan met with reporters from Deutsche Welle, a German television channel that broadcasts worldwide in five languages. The interview was conducted in Macrorayan, where many of Skateistan’s classes take place. In addition to the usual crowd of students, a new face emerged on the scene. Siar Ahmadi, a 16 year old Afghan who has been residing in Islamabad, Pakistan, approached us with his skateboard. Having learned of Skateistan from a street cleaner who had seen the classes taking place, Siar brought his board to Macrorayan and helped the Skateistan crew teach classes. Three years ago, after seeing an internet video of Rodney Mullen, Siar taught himself to skate. In Islamabad, he skates alone. “Many older people don’t like to see me skateboarding, but younger people are more encouraging. Some elders see skateboarding as a departure from Islamic culture and a sign of growing Western influence in the Muslim world. Yet, my 13 year old cousin has asked me to teach him how to skate.” Siar admits he never expected to find fellow skateboarders when he returned to Kabul this summer. “I was so surprised and happy to see people skateboarding in Kabul”, he says. 

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