Baghdad markets teem with Eid shoppers, as security steps up

Markets and malls in Baghdad this week are filled with Iraqi shoppers buying food and clothes in preparation for Eid al-Fitr, with officials and security forces increasing efforts to protect them and ease their visit.

“I came to this market to buy Eid clothes for my three daughters and also some goods and food items to make sweets and pastries, in particular kleisha, which no Iraqi home should be without during Eid and similar occasions,” said shopper Hanan Kareem, 38.

“This shopping atmosphere is lovely and cheerful because of this huge crowd of families and the duration of shopping, which extends into the late hours of the night,” she said. “As we get closer to Eid, we wish Ramadan would come next year with our country enjoying security, peace and prosperity.”

Ali Fadhel, 43, who was shopping with his family, said he was relieved because security forces are working to protect shoppers and shopping centres.

“The terrorists stepped up their despicable crimes against innocent citizens during the month of fasting, which is a month for mercy, compassion and brotherhood, but they were not able to stop the cycle of life,” he said. “This huge turnout at markets and commercial centres in preparation for Eid is clear evidence of Iraqi resilience in the face of terrorist schemes.”

The Iraqi Interior Ministry had prepared a special security plan for Eid al-Fitr, according to ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan.

SECURITY AND SERVICE PREPARATIONS

Meanwhile, Amanat Baghdad is conducting major clean-up and maintenance of public markets and areas around shopping centres and malls, as well as clearing sidewalks to ensure a smooth and easy passage for shoppers, said Sabah Sami, media spokesman for the mayoralty.

“There is high-level co-ordination with security forces to secure all gardens, public parks, and tourist facilities in the capital, as well as shopping centres, which are now visited by thousands of shoppers in preparation for Eid al-Fitr,” he said, adding that Amanat Baghdad’s security and service efforts will continue throughout the holiday.

“All members of the [Baghdad] provincial council’s committees began making field visits to check and follow up on the measures taken, whether service- or security-related,” said Ghaleb al-Zameli, a member of the council’s services committee.

“There are daily follow-up visits by Baghdad provincial council committees, each within its own specialty, to follow up on the cleaning, beautification and lighting of streets, the rehabilitation of gardens, and regulating the entry of families into tourist facilities, amusement parks and commercial malls,” he said.

They are also in constant contact with the security services to maintain these measures to protect people celebrating Eid, and prevent terrorists from spoiling the festive atmosphere, he added.

Shawan Mohammed Taha, a member of the parliamentary security and defence committee, called on security forces to be on the highest level of alert.

“Even during Ramadan, terrorists were not deterred from committing their crimes, because they have no faith or mercy; therefore it is incumbent on the security services to step up their efforts and prevent terrorist groups from exploiting Eid to carry out their savage operations,” he told Mawtani.

Taha urged citizens to immediately notify security personnel of suspicious activities.

SHOPPING FOR EID

Tareq Yasin, 25, began his Eid preparations early this year, buying Eid clothes at the beginning of Ramadan.

He said he “came today with my friend to this shopping centre to enjoy the shopping”.

“There are few shopping and recreational centres (malls) in Baghdad and they are not very large, but this year, huge centres opened and others will open soon, all of which provide breathing space for families that come to shop and enjoy their time too,” he said.

Roua Ahmed, 29, said the large collection of clothes and cosmetics, both local and imports, and range of prices makes it easy for her to get what suits her income and taste.

“There are many shoppers in the markets and shopping centres, probably more than in past Eid seasons,” she said. “This reaffirms Iraqis’ determination to perform Eid rituals in spite of terrorist groups and their sick dreams.”

Source: Al-Shorfa