Ashura
Surge in book sales meets visitor decline in Basra during Muharram
BASRA — During Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Al-Farahidi Street in Basra sees a surge in demand for books about Hussein Ibn Ali and the Battle of Karbala. However, this increase in sales contrasts with a decrease in the number of visitors, as many are participating in Muharram rituals. This has also led to a noticeable rise in book prices.
Shia Muslims commemorate Imam Hussein Ibn Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and the third Imam of Shia Islam, who was killed on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, by Umayyad troops during the Battle of Karbala.
Abu Fatima Al-Baydani, owner of Tajdeed Publishing House, shared insights with 964media, “Despite fewer people coming to the street due to their involvement in Husseini sessions, we’ve recorded an increase in demand for religious and historical books related to Imam Hussein and the Ashura revolution.”
Karrar Al-Amir, owner of Jamar Bookstore, noted, “This week, the foot traffic has been lower because of Muharram, but some still come specifically to request religious books.”
Despite fewer visitors, Al-Farahidi Street continues to be a hub of cultural activities. “Some might think that activities have slowed down, but we continue to host all our cultural events,” Al-Baydani added.
Established in 2015, Al-Farahidi Street has quickly become a key cultural center in Basra, home to more than 42 bookstores and four local publishing houses. It began its transformation through the efforts of Basra’s Injaz organization, which initially used a section for small cultural activities.
Writer Mohammed Al-Harbi emphasized the street’s cultural significance, stating, “Al-Farahidi Street is as important to Basra as Al-Mutanabbi Street is to Baghdad. It has become a haven for intellectuals and book lovers, although it needs further development to expand its limited space.”
Unique Ashura procession for hearing-impaired in Dhi Qar
Livestock prices surge in Basra with start of Muharram
Youth launch 'Hussein Service Cleanup Campaign' in Wasit
