Red roses, baby roses

Shifting gift culture in Dhi Qar’s Souq Al-Shuyukh sparks demand for fresh flowers

DHI QAR — In Souq Al-Shuyukh district, the long-standing tradition of bringing crates of citrus fruits or soft drinks to social events is being replaced by flower bouquets, prompting local entrepreneurs to open specialized flower shops.

Among the first to launch such a business are partners Muhammad Fadhil and Hussein Ya’roub, who source their fresh blooms from Baghdad. Red roses and baby roses are top sellers, with single flowers costing about 3,000 IQD ($2) and luxury arrangements priced up to 100,000 IQD ($66).

Customers of all ages, particularly the youth, are embracing this shift as a way to express affection at weddings, celebrations and other gatherings. “We started three months before the new year to cater to fans of natural flowers,” said shop owner Fadhil. “We see strong demand for engagements and graduations, and sometimes even ship orders to other governorates. We don’t, however, recommend lengthy travel with fresh flowers, as they wilt easily.”

An expensive gift is better than a good conversation

An expensive gift is better than a good conversation

What do you think?

Fadhil noted that roses and baby roses are the most requested, with quantity dictating final cost. Discounts are available for larger orders.

Another shop owner, Buraq Hussam, credited social media for accelerating the switch from juice-box gifts to floral arrangements. “We store the flowers in coolers at specific temperatures and keep them in water to preserve freshness,” he said. Red roses are his best seller, followed by white, yellow and baby roses. Prices range from 10,000 IQD ($7) for simple bouquets to 100,000 IQD ($66) for premium assortments used for engagements, hospital visits, reconciliation gestures and graduations.

Customer Adel Kareem said the emergence of dedicated flower shops has been a welcome convenience. “We used to go all the way to Nasiriyah for flowers,” he said. “When my daughter wanted to buy a rose for her mother, we saw how beautifully they wrapped them here, so we decided on a bouquet.”