Paying Cupid's dues
Sulaymaniyah Valentine’s Day spirit tempered by salary delays
SULAYMANIYAH – This year, residents of Sulaymaniyah are marking Valentine’s Day with tighter budgets due to the significant impact of delayed salaries. Despite the financial challenges, local stores have stocked thousands of red Dutch tulips, and establishments such as the Titanic Hotel, as well as other leading restaurants and cafes in the city, are preparing for musical evenings.
Public sector employees, constituting a significant portion of the region’s economy, have received their salaries sporadically for years, with many still owed months of salary from the last year alone.
Kosalan Zaher, a local florist, said to 964media, “Young men and women in Sulaymaniyah are gearing up for the day by ordering red rose bouquets, though orders have declined this year.” He linked the fall in flower and Valentine’s Day gift sales to the salary postponements and the launch of several new flower shops in Sulaymaniyah. “Red roses are the most popular, followed by Dutch tulips, which are priced between 3,000 and 4,000 Iraqi dinars each. The most expensive flower order this year was $300, down from last year’s high of $6,500.”
According to 964media, artists Karwan Nay and Haval Khamqi will perform at the Titanic Hotel. Jiger Media, Hussein, and Hamid Osman will appear at Stage Restaurant, while artist Siwan will perform for his fans at Khani Cafe.
Ticket prices for these events are set between 25,000 and 50,000 Iraqi dinars per person, providing a range of entertainment options for those celebrating Valentine’s Day in Sulaymaniyah amid economic crunch.
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