Ending longstanding trend
Duhok shopkeepers lament decision on storefront safety measures
DUHOK — Shopkeepers in Duhok are unhappy with a new provincial rule requiring them to remove their storefront curtains and store all items inside after closing. To express their displeasure, store owners temporarily closed their shops and gathered in front of the governorate building today. However, after meeting with the deputy governor of Duhok, the protesters left without a resolution and decided to reopen their shops.
Haji Badal, a representative of the Duhok market shopkeepers, told 964media, “During our meeting with the deputy governor, we requested the suspension of the decision. Moving all our goods inside and removing the curtains is a difficult task, especially since most of the shops are small.”
Shopkeepers suggested that both sides work together to find “a mutually beneficial solution.” However, according to Badal, no unanimous decision was reached, but they were promised that a solution would be found in the shopkeepers’ interest.
Following the meeting, the shopkeepers decided to reopen their stores while waiting for an alternative solution.
Previously, Erbil’s municipality implemented the same measure to prevent and mitigate fires. According to reports on recent fires in Duhok and Erbil, leaving items outside, using curtains to cover them up, and setting up displays were identified as factors contributing to the spread and intensity of the fires.
This policy follows recent fires in several markets in Duhok and Erbil, which resulted in hundreds of stores being burned.
Bikar Barbuhari, a shopkeeper in Duhok, expressed his dissatisfaction to 964media: “Our stores are small, and we have been instructed to take everything inside and roll up the curtains. This is very difficult for us because we cannot fit everything inside, and it takes a lot of time.”
He added, “We have used curtains for years, and they have never removed them. They are saying we should remove them because they contribute to the severity of fires.”
In Duhok, shopkeepers typically leave items outside their stores in the evening, covered by a drape.
Shopkeepers are also calling for increased security in the market instead.
A massive fire broke out in Duhok’s Chale bazaar on April 1, causing significant damage to Chale Market, affecting 137 shops.
The blaze, which started around 3 a.m., prompted the hospitalization of 21 people for smoke inhalation. It took firefighters and helicopter crews more than three and a half hours to get the fire under control.