We here in the USA think we have one of the pinnacles of 21st century civilization, and all we have on most corners is another "Starbucks" (good coffee though).

Your description of "Salam al-Hija's Typing Service" makes it sound like one of the little pools where various eddies interchange in life, where folks from all over meet to exchange services. It would be fascinating enough to hear stories of the "Raj" from Mr. al-Hija, let alone the backgrounds of his clients from around the middle east.

I imagine a caravanssary from 700ce would have been much like that...
Does he have a young apprentice I wonder? Or will the service close with the passing of Salam al-Hija...

Jammer