Erbil banana seller keeps 30-year family trade alive, hopes sons will follow

ERBIL — For three decades, Rebwar Mukhlis has made his living selling bananas in Erbil’s Sheikhalla market, a trade he inherited from his father. Speaking to 964media, he said he first sold bananas as a child alongside his father, and later continued the business with a small cart.

“I decided not to sell any other fruit, and if another type of fruit is on my table, it makes me annoyed,” Mukhlis said. He added that he plans for his children to also become banana sellers. His son Mohammed has already expressed interest in the trade.

Bananas remain in high demand, Mukhlis said, noting that while his family enjoys eating them, he personally does not eat them often. “Thanks to God, there is still good business in bananas and people like them because they are a good fruit and not harmful,” he said.

Mukhlis explained he has no interest in selling other produce, saying, “I am content with selling bananas, so I continue with them.” He hopes his sons will keep the business going: “I inherited banana selling from my father, and I want my sons to do the same.”