Iraqis throng markets ahead of Eid Muslim holiday despite high prices

Markets in Sulaymaniyah province in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region are crowded with people despite high prices ahead of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice.

People say they will go shopping despite the soaring prices of most goods and Eid requirements like clothes, sweets, and nuts. Jawhar Fatih, an Iraqi man, speaks to A24 News Agency and says he should prepare for the Eid festival despite high prices.

Farhad Muhammed, owner of a fabric store, says some merchants sell Eid supplies at low prices while the majority offer their goods at high prices. Ali Hatem, owner of a sweets and nuts shop, says people need to buy sweets even if they are expensive as part of Iraq’s tradition in offering them to guests.

Anmar Jabbar, Iraqi man, says people mark the start of Eid by dressing smartly and sharing sweets and greetings. During the Eid festival, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat and the meat is shared equally between family, friends and the poor.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, will be observed next Saturday.