At 77, Mosul courier pedals across city with pride and purpose

MOSUL — In the bustling streets of Mosul, 77-year-old Hassan Hussein, known locally as “Abu Rahma,” stands out not for his age, but for his quiet perseverance. Riding a bicycle laden with goods, he has become a familiar figure across the city — a self-reliant deliveryman who works from dawn until late afternoon, crossing bridges and neighborhoods on two wheels.

“I’m 77 years old and I work as a courier, delivering goods on my bicycle,” Hussein told 964media. “I carry things like bags, dishes, bread, tomatoes, and other vegetables.”

A longtime resident of Hawi al-Josaq on the right bank of Mosul, Hussein pedals daily across the Tigris to deliver to places like Faisaliya Market and al-Khadraa on the left bank, as well as neighborhoods as far as 17 Tammuz on the west side.

“I don’t feel tired. This bicycle strengthens my muscles and helps me work,” he said. “I don’t need a car or a motorcycle — this bicycle is part of who I am, and I love it.”

Hussein said he earns his living entirely through his own effort and refuses to ask for help. “I start work in the morning and continue until 4 p.m. I enjoy the work. If I sit idle, I’ll get tired, sick, or maybe even die,” he said. “I never reach out to anyone. I don’t ask for anything. I work and earn my living by myself.”

Local shopkeepers admire his commitment. “Hajj Hassan is a hardworking man, better than a hundred young men — with all due respect to those who work,” said a restaurant owner who also goes by the name Abu Rahma al-Mawsili. “He refuses to take anything from anyone. He works with effort and dignity.”

“We contact him directly and ask him for anything we need. He brings it on his bicycle — eggs, soap, yogurt, bags, whatever we need. He delivers everything right to the shop door.”

The restaurant owner said Hussein’s work ethic sends a message to younger generations. “We want to support this elderly man. He’s over seventy and works with energy. Many young people say ‘there’s no work,’ but work exists — it just needs determination,” he said. “As a restaurant, we always support him and rely on him for deliveries.”