Mosul artisans protest sudden closure of Tankajiyah Market, claim loss of livelihoods

NINEVEH — Artisans and shop owners in the Tankajiyah Market, located in the Ras al-Jadah area on Mosul’s west side, protested Thursday against a municipal decision to close their shops and relocate them to the industrial zone. The craftspeople argue that the market, established in 1968 and privately owned since the 1970s, supports numerous families and operates far from residential areas.

Despite prior authorization from the Provincial Council to operate, shop owners were taken by surprise when the Municipal Violations Committee locked their doors without prior notice.

“This market is essential and was established in 1968. We have been working here to serve the people and support local industry. It’s unreasonable to shut it down like this without offering alternatives,” said Ali Sultan, a Tankajiyah craftsman. “Every shop in this market is privately owned. We need to speak to a responsible official to explain our hardship. Hundreds of families have lost their income without warning. Economic conditions are tough, and the government should support us, not work against us.”

Abu Ayyub, another shop owner, expressed similar frustration. “All the shops in this market are private property—not on agricultural land or illegal plots. We approached various officials, but only the Provincial Council assured us that our shops could operate without issue,” he said. “Today, the municipality came unexpectedly, locking our doors and shutting us down without providing an alternative market.”

He added, “Our market is far from residential areas and doesn’t disturb anyone; we’re here to serve the people of Mosul and support local industry. If the issue is about beautifying the city, as they claim, then why don’t they provide us with an alternative space?”

The decision to close Tankajiyah Market, which hosts 300 shops, was issued earlier this year, with the municipality designating the area as residential and ordering the relocation of artisans to a new industrial zone. Shop owners were given a 25-day notice to vacate. The market specializes in aluminum work, including the production of water and fuel tanks and other essential goods for homes and businesses.