Shafaq News- Najaf
Arbaeen preparations are breathing new life into Najaf's oldcity, where thousands of vendors are counting on millions of pilgrims to revivetrade after months of slow business.
Along the narrow streets leading to the Imam Ali Shrine,sidewalks have turned into open-air markets selling everything Iraqi andforeign worshippers need during their visit, as well as souvenirs tocommemorate their journey.
The annual influx of millions of visitors provides asignificant economic boost for dozens of families that rely on the Arbaeenseason for a large share of their yearly income.
Inside the old city's wholesale market, clothing wholesalerMohammed Saadoun oversees a supply chain that stretches from importers tostreet vendors. He told Shafaq News that the ceremony serves as a lifeline forcommercial activity in Najaf, noting that shopping patterns have changed inrecent years. “Iranian pilgrims used to buy clothing and higher-priced goods,but economic conditions and regional tensions have shifted demand towardlower-cost products.”
Fatemeh Mashhadi from Iran told Shafaq News she was searching for aheadscarf to bring home as a gift for her daughter, saying the spiritual valueof a souvenir from the shrine matters more than its price.
: Faith and finances: Religious tourism fuels Iraq’s economy