Kurdish meat in demand
Livestock prices surge in Basra with start of Muharram
BASRA – The livestock and meat market in Khor Al-Zubair, west of Basra, is experiencing significant price increases with the onset of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, due to rising demand from Shia processions in southern Iraqi provinces.
During Muharram, Shia Muslims commemorate Imam Hussein, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, who was killed in the seventh century by Umayyad troops. Many offer votive food for the poor and those mourning Imam Hussein, creating a high demand for meat.
Livestock seller Mohammad Naji reported that prices have risen by an average of 75,000 dinars ($57) compared to last week, while butchers have increased the price per kilogram by 2,000 dinars ($1.53). “Muharram rituals are important for all Muslims… We offer a discount of more than 50,000 dinars ($38) per sheep because families urgently need them for votive food and charity, especially during the first ten days of Muharram,” Naji told 964media.
Market forces have driven up costs for all types of livestock, whether Iraqi, Iranian, or Kurdish. Current prices are as follows: a 15-kilogram Basra sheep costs between 350,000 and 400,000 dinars ($267 to $306); an Iranian sheep costs 300,000 dinars ($229); and a Kurdish sheep costs 550,000 dinars ($382). Prices are expected to rise further in the coming days. Residents prefer Kurdish sheep for their leaner meat and superior taste, attributed to better nutrition and feed quality, according to Naji.
Butcher Muhannad Abdul Zahra noted that the price of a kilogram of beef with bone has increased from 13,000 dinars ($10) a week ago to 15,000 dinars ($11.4), while boneless beef has risen from 15,000-16,000 dinars ($11.4-$12) to 17,000 dinars ($13).
“Our family, with shops spread across Khor Al-Zubair, has committed to discounting 1,000 dinars ($0.76) per kilogram during Muharram each year,” Abdul Zahra said. “For those purchasing large quantities for cooking in processions, we sell one kilogram for 12,000 dinars ($9), contributing to the mourners and the Muharram processions.”
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