Modest but crucial

Najaf pushcart men: vital cogs in the Old City’s daily grind

2024-08-16 | 12:58

NAJAF — In the narrow alleys of the Old City of Najaf, the indispensable work of pushcart men continues. More than mere transporters of goods, these men are vital in enabling residents and visitors to navigate the cramped quarters where walking or using these locally-designed carts are the only viable means of movement.

These carts halt at the final checkpoint before the Imam Ali Shrine, with young men adeptly maneuvering through the alleys to deliver people and goods to areas such as Banat al-Hasan, Al-Sadiq Street, Al-Huwish, the Grand Market, and Zayn al-Abidin Street.

The Imam Ali Shrine, a central religious site for Shia Muslims in Najaf, enshrines the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, revered as the first Shia Imam.

Despite the arduous nature of their work, the earnings of these cart men are modest, typically about 3,000 IQD ($2) per trip, varying with the type of goods and the number of alleys navigated.

Amer Al-Shammari, a local shop owner, underscores the critical role of the cart men, describing them as “the backbone of the Old City.” He elaborates, “We rely heavily on them to deliver goods to our shops and to transport customers.”

Samir Hassan, one of the cart men, details his long workday starting from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and sometimes extending to 8 p.m., to bring various items into the Old City, past the final checkpoint before the Imam Ali Shrine. “We transport food, fabrics, clothing, and even supplies for the restaurants and hotels here,” Hassan said.

Hassan further explains that their charges vary based on the size and type of goods, as well as the number of alleys they traverse. “Generally, we charge 3,000 Iraq dinars [$2] per alley,” he noted, indicating the fluctuating nature of their fees depending on the logistical challenges each trip presents.