Nur: Malaysia

Nur takes special classes every night to perfect her reciting skills

Nur lives in Kelantan, the last Moslem-run state in Malaysia.

At only 11 years old, she has just completed her study of the Koran and is ready to be honoured at the village mosque in a prestigious ritual known as the Khatam Al Koran; a symbol of her growing maturity.

She has been revising for this day since she was four years old and must recite verses from the final chapter of the Koran to all those present.

Afterwards, Nur's family celebrate with a picnic on the beach.

Kelantan can be a regimented place, where men and women are required to queue separately at the supermarket and bathe fully clothed in the sea.

Nur wears the veil, shuns make-up, works hard at her religious studies and is careful not to talk to or encourage the boys who tease her as she passes the local mosque with her friends.

However, she is also a free spirit who enjoys climbing trees, playing netball and wants to become a banker when she grows up.

In a state where politics and religion are so intertwined, will Nur be able to fulfil her ambitions?

Coming of Age was broadcast in the UK on Tuesday, 22nd February, 2005 at 2100 GMT on BBC Two.

Note: Kelantan is on the east coast of Malaysia and therefore Nur and her family were unaffected by the recent tsunami in Asia.