Sulaymaniyah shopkeeper revives vintage cell phones with over 10,000 devices in collection

SULAYMANIYAH — In a small shop in Sulaymaniyah, Jaza Karim, known locally as “the man with the black box,” has amassed a collection of over 10,000 vintage cell phones, primarily from brands like Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola. For more than 20 years, Karim has specialized in repairing and reselling these older models, catering to a niche market of customers who prefer classic phones over modern smartphones.

“I have over 10,000 older model phones in my shop,” Karim told 964media. “I repair phones for people who still prefer these older models rather than using smartphones.”

During a recent repair, Karim explained his work to a customer who brought in a phone for servicing. “I’ve had this mobile for more than 15 years,” the customer said. “I don’t want to replace it; it’s reliable, and I know how to use it.”

Karim shared that his clientele primarily consists of older customers who rely on these familiar devices, although he’s noticed a few younger patrons expressing interest in retro models. He collects spare parts for these vintage phones but doesn’t deal with smartphone components, focusing solely on older technology.

However, Karim noted that the market for these devices is gradually shrinking, with fewer people visiting his shop as newer technology becomes the standard. Despite this trend, he remains dedicated to his work. “This work has become a passion, and I love my shop greatly,” he said, underscoring his commitment to preserving a piece of mobile technology history.