by Young
“The first is Medical Termination of Pregnancy, M.T.P. – generally referred to as abortion.
“Islamic scholars unanimously agree that M.T.P. or abortion is haram (prohibited).”
I chirped inquisitively, “Why is it prohibited?”
“Because in the Qur’an, Allah said ’...kill not your children on a plea of want; we provide sustenance for you and for them.’ This is found in Al-Qur’an 6:151.
“In another passage, Allah also mentioned, ‘Kill not your children for fear of want; we shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you; verily the killing of them is a great sin,’ as written in Al-Qur’an 17:31,” the Arab iterated.
Before our host could continue, Zac queried again, “Can women take birth control pills to avoid pregnancy?”
“Although the majority of Islamic scholars agree that the taking of birth control pills (Fataawa al-Marah) is prohibited because of its side effects and the changes that affect normal physiology, I believe differently,” the doctor stated. “This recent contraceptive discovery will assist women in more ways than one.” He paused. “I’m not an Islamic traditionalist or a scholar, but as a medical professional, I do what is best for my patient.” He shook his head as if troubled.
He added, “There is a newly discovered method of temporary contraception known as Copper-T. Although it is generally known as a ‘contraception’, it is technically a contra-implantation.”
Zac asked, “How do contra-implantations work?”
Dr. Fahrib gave him a roguish grin before answering, “Are you planning to become a doctor?”
My Valet did not reply.
“To put it simply - the sperm fertilizes the ovum, but the zygote formed is destroyed by the Copper-T, which prevents it from being implanted in the uterine wall (the woman’s womb, so to speak).” The Arab gave another sigh before resuming, “This is a form of early abortion that, unfortunately, is prohibited by my religion.
“Still, some religious scholars permit this temporary method of family planning without knowing its full implication…
“There is one other temporary method of family planning. The use of condoms.”
Jabril exclaimed, “I hate those things. It’s like fucking with clothes on…”
His employer chimed before the Levantine could continue. “Islamic scholars are divided about their use. After all, Allah has provided a natural method of planning the family, medically known as lactation amenorrhea. You see, Zac, after the women gives birth to a child, until she breast feeds, her menstrual cycle is temporary terminated. Therefore the chances of another pregnancy during lactation is minimal. Now, according to the Qur’an, it says, ‘The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years…’”
Zac continued to question. “You mentioned permanent methods of contraception. What are these methods?”
Permanent Methods
Fahrib pondered before responding, “Permanent methods include Vasectomy in males and Tubecotomy in females.
“All Islamic scholars unanimously agree that permanent methods of family planning are completely haram (prohibited), since they involve changing the human physiology.”
Jabril had remained silent until now. He burst forth, quoting Al-Qur’an 30:30: “So set you your face steadily and truly to the Faith: establish Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made humankind: no change - let there be - in the work wrought by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but many do not understand.” He continued, “The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: ’Marry the one who is loving and fertile, for I will be proud of your great numbers before the nations, meaning - on the Day of Resurrection.”
Fahrib patted his private secretary on the shoulders and spoke, “That said, Jabril, there are always exceptions to the rules. Our religious zealots also unanimously agree that any permanent method of family planning, or even abortion, can be adopted if the life of the mother is in danger.
“For example, if the woman is suffering from certain diseases of the heart or has undergone multiple caesarean operations, the continuation of pregnancy (or another pregnancy) may be a risk to her life. Then, a permanent method of family planning can be adopted, or an abortion can be performed, to save the woman’s life.”
I turned to the art historian and vociferated, “I thought you are going to enlighten us further about coitus interruptus?”
Instead Dr. Fahrib replied on the man’s behalf, “Young, coitus interruptus is permissible in our culture as long as it is performed with the mutual consent of both participants, since they have equal rights to having children.”
Jabril interjected, “This is based on the Hadith of Jabir, who said: ’We used to practice coitus interruptus during the days when the Qur’an was being revealed’.”
The sheik directed our conversation to more light-hearted matters before his private secretary could continue quoting Qur’an verses.
The Mystery Woman
Since my curiosity was eating at me, I asked, “Who is the lady who was here earlier?”
Zac stared at me.
Jabril laughed heartily. He remarked, “She, my boy, is a working girl from the ‘DISTRICT.’”
“What’s a working girl, and what district?” I tweeted.
“Tomorrow evening, with the permission of your tutor, Dubois, we’ll organize a field trip,” he declared merrily.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The District
“People tend to be put off by the idea of selling sex, but if you spend a night with one of them and talk - about life and so on, you’re likely to find that this person is like you or me.”
Maurits De Vries
2012
Andy’s Message
Young, I have clear memories of Amsterdam. Last year, I returned to the canal city for a vacation. ‘The District’ in 1968 was very different compared to 2011. This area is now a well-organized vicinity with numerous cafes, eateries and new editions to the vibrant landscape. The ban on brothels was lifted in 2000. The De Wallen activities are now actively regulated and controlled by the Dutch authorities.
Do you remember the prostitutes were predominantly Dutch, German, French and Belgian back then? Now, there are numerous Latinas, Blacks and Asians (mainly from the Philippines, the Golden Triangle and Thailand) working in the vicinity. They’re now liable for taxes.
Many coffee shops had also sprung up. Though food, alcohol, and tobacco are generally consumed outside the cafes, these establishments are licensed to sell cannabis and soft drugs.
You remember those narrow alleyways that Jabril took us down, where the sex workers sat elegantly in windows that resembled living rooms? These are now one-room cabins that prostitutes rent to offer their sexual services from behind a window or glass door; often illuminated by red lights - better known as “kamers.” ‘The District’ is now a tourist attraction…
1968
To the Bijbels Museum
The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, our tutor announced, “This morning, we are visiting the ‘Biblical Museum,’ generally known as the ’Bijbels Museum.’”
Jabril chirped, “It’s a small parochial museum, founded by Reverend Leendert Schouten in the nineteenth century.”
“What’s in this museum?” Zac queried.
The Arab replied before Dubois could answer. “It houses a collection of antique Bibles, traditional Judeo-Christian religious relics, a first edition of the 1637 Dutch Authorised Version of the Holy Book, and the oldest Bible (1477 Delftse Bijbel) - the first book printed in the Netherlands. This volume is not only a monument in Biblical history but in the history of the printed word.
“This so called ‘Delft Bible,’ was printed in the city of Delft in Southern Holland. It’s a Latin-to-Dutch translation of the Old Testament, created to satisfy the demand of Dutch believers who wanted to read the holy book in their own language. They constructed their own interpretations of its contents.
“Besides its collectio
n of prized Bibles, this museum also features prints of Biblical scenes, circulated at a time when literacy was uncommon.”
He added, “What interests me the most is the facsimile of the Qumran Dead Sea scroll containing the Book of Isaiah. This is definitely worth viewing,” the Gnostic declared.
Andy chimed, “You say that because you’re a gnostic, isn’t it?”
Before the Levantine could burst forth with a mouthful of religious quotations, Zac exclaimed, “This is definitely an interesting excursion. I’m intrigued by handcrafted manuscripts, especially antique hand-written bibles.”
“Those aren’t the only items at the museum. It also features nineteenth-century Egyptian artifacts and relics. Among the collections are clay tablets, oil lamps, coins, pottery pieces, and earthenware from that period. Naturally, these items are of religious significance.
“There are also ancient Herod and Solomon Temple replicas on display, together with a model of the Tabernacle, the sacred shrine that housed the Ark of the Covenant when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Monsieur Dubois declared, “Other ecclesiastical artifacts include ornately embellished family heirloom prayer books from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. To me, the most important display is the ‘Noordwijk Collection’ of prayer books.”
The art historian opined, “For me, the museum’s highly prized possession is the portrait of Jesus. The museum describes this artifact as an ‘attractively small, almost poetic’ depiction of the Messiah called ‘Head of Christ.’ This portraiture was traced to Rembrandt’s studio. Thus far, no one knows for sure if it was created by the Master or by one of his pupils.”
“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go,” Andy commanded.
At the Biblical Museum
During our museum tour, Jabril came to me and uttered exuberantly, “Your teacher has agreed that we may go to ‘The District’ this evening.”
I stared at the man blankly. He giggled. Andy joined us.
“What’s the merriment?” my BB mused.
I looked at the Arab. He stated, “This evening, we are going the ‘The District.’”
“What district?” Andy voiced.
“Shush! Keep your voice down. We don’t want everyone to think we’re perverts,” Jabril muttered. “Although ‘The District’ is a sexual labyrinth, it is ironic that the city’s oldest house of God, ‘De Oude Kerk’ (The Old Church), is situated in the center.
“Maybe the prostitutes go there for penance after an evening of nefariously carnal exultations,” he quipped at his own statement.
“We’re touring the Red Light District?” Andy sallied.
“Shush, not so loud. Yes, we are going to the Red Light District,” the Arab smacked the back of Andy’s head.
He rubbed his head and questioned, “Are Albert and Young allowed?”
The art historian burst out. “Of course! Anyone can visit the area. They are not planning to solicit sexual services during their visit, are they?” he joked.
Zac heard the commotion. He came to join our group. My Valet remarked, “That should be an interesting outing. I couldn’t help eavesdropping, especially when you, Jabril, are in such merriment.”
“Boys, be ready at 9 PM sharp. I’ll take you on a psychedelic magical mystery tour,” he said smugly before disappearing to join my teacher, who was viewing Solomon’s Temple.
The Psychedelic Magical Mystery Tour
As per tradition in most European cities, dinner did not commence until 9 PM. We dined at a charming eatery near ‘The District’ before venturing into the maze of narrow alleyways that is the Rosse Buurt.
Rosse Buurt consists of De Wallen, Singelgebied and Ruysdaelkade, of which De Wallen is the oldest and the busiest. Its architectural layout is typical of fourteenth-century Amsterdam. As the night wore on, the streets became more and more brazen. People from different walks of life came to gawk and experience the sexual liberation of this infamous canal city.
Women in form-fitting dresses sat in store windows resembling living room interiors. Our entourage gawked at the women for sale as we strolled past. Women winked, smiling seductively at us. Some lingered around the doorframes, posing coquettishly. They were like extras from the set of Irma la Douce, the 1963 romantic comedy starring Shirley MacLaine. A couple of the females tried to strike up a conversation with Andy, Dubois and Zac, only to be shushed away by our tour guide, Jabril.
After prowling the bedazzling streets for over an hour, we found a café to rest our tired feet and people-watch. The gallant Jabril returned to our table with a tray full of beverages. He lit a joint and winked wickedly.
“Are you enjoying ‘The District,’ boys?” he asked mischievously.
Albert asked, “Are there men working in ‘The District’ as well?”
Jabril gave the adolescent a waggish grin before blowing a puff of smoke in the boy’s face, causing him to cough from this sudden impish onslaught. “You want a gay joint? I’ll show you one,” the rogue said. “Relax, lad, the night is young. Enjoy your drink, and enjoy the street show,” he commented.
“There must be a high crime rate with such an assortment of eccentric characters lurking about,” Zac remarked.
The Arab replied, “Young man, you are a keen observer. There were several murders in this vicinity a few years back. The most famous was in 1957. Johanna Machelia Scheide-Oudes, known to her clients as Magere Jossie, was brutally murdered. Although her pimp and husband was convicted, he was released because of a lack of evidence.
“There were others, including Barbara Van Der Eng, Chinese Annie, Finse Henni, Zwarte Judith, Blonde Jackie, and not least, a certain Zwarte Jeanne. These hideous crimes were eye-openers for the populace. This lead to the clean-up and legalization of prostitution of Rosse Buurt. The sex workers you see in the shop windows are registered and have to comply with certain codes of decency. They are not allowed to dress overly provocatively, and solicitations can only be conducted within the doorway of the salons and inside shop fronts. It’s forbidden along the walkways and the streets.”
Andy expressed, “No wonder they didn’t accost us when we walked away.”
Just then, a dandily dressed man patted Jabril’s shoulder. Both men embraced as if they were old pals. After a warm Dutch salutation, the Levantine introduced the dandy. “This is Zwarte Jopie, the ‘King of De Wallen’!” he proclaimed.
“Ahh! Everybody calls me Zwarte or Jopie, even though my name is Maurits De Vries,” mused the King. “Thanks, J, for bestowing on me that illustrious title. I’m just a humble citizen of this great city.”
Our guide resumed excitedly, “Zawrte is a great entrepreneur. He’s the owner of our city’s first adult shop. What other projects are you working on, Jopie?”
“I’m launching Casa Rosso this weekend. It’s a three-storey bar and nightclub,” the dandy answered proudly. “You and your friends must come and have a fun evening on the opening night.”
Jabril declared, “Of course we’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss the chance to meet the new ladies.”
The King spotted some acquaintance inside the café. Before he bid us farewell, he made us promise to attend the premiere of Casa Rosso.
2012
Continuation of Andy’s Message
…Young, do you remember the bar and nightclub owned by the ‘King of De Wallen,’ Zwarte Jopie? It is now Theatre Casa Rosso, a historical landmark where burlesque shows are held nightly.
“The Temple of Venus” (a Sex Museum) has replaced Zwarte Jopie’s adult shop. It displays an array of erotic art and historical sexual aids, mainly documenting the history of the Red Light District - from the mid-1960s to the 70s, the Golden era of Western sexual revolution.
In my opinion, this Museum is an erotic theme park. A plaster figure of Venus greets visitors at the entry. There are life-sized wax figures of Mata Hari with her entourage of male lovers and an effigy of Marilyn Monroe with air blowing under her skirt. A pair of humongous
plastic phalluses stand erect for those who desire photo ops.
In each of the museum’s tiny anti-chambers, different kinds of muffled noises are broadcast from hidden speakers, accompanying visitors throughout the tour. Each chamber is dedicated to an erotic personality, the likes of Mata Hari, Marquis de Sade, Rudolf Valentino, Oscar Wilde, Marquise de Pompadour, and so on.
The Marquis de Sade’s chamber has repetitive sounds of steam machines, mixed together with distressed, orgasmic screams of women being tortured. To me, this museum resembles an old-fashioned and outdated aesthetic, which I find amusing. Touring this museum is like stepping back in time to a “Ripley’s Believe-It-or-Not” Odditorium, where human deformities were the norm. The difference - the items on display here are erotic; they’re not shrunken skulls or deformed mummified bodies. ☺
This museum has been around for more than 20 years. Nevertheless, I appreciate the unique erotic artifacts and the old and rare pornographic photos. I give credit to the curators for their organizational skills. These objects were well lit and displayed interestingly.
Rosse Buurt itself has miraculously transformed from a seedy erotic district to a mainstream family sightseeing attraction. Although brothels and sex workers continue to exist, this isn’t the charmingly sordid area we knew in 1968.
Last but not least, the gay establishment Jabril took us to is now a menswear boutique, retailing provocative undergarments, sexy swimwear and erotic wear.
Young, I’d love to visit Amsterdam with you. I’m sure we’d have fun reminiscing about our young years in the canal city. ☺
Love, hugs and more,
Andy.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Leather Bar
“A riding crop and a blindfold don’t make it BDSM. There is a big difference between being kinky and being in the scene. It’s not a sexual thing to me; it’s a very spiritual thing.”