The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is a time marked by cultural traditions, community, and commerce in Egypt and around the world. This season, Cairo's artisans and shopkeepers who typically see a spike in Ramadan-themed gift sales are contending with an acute cost-of-living crisis, following last month's record core inflation rate of over 40 percent, and a year of currency devaluations in which the Egyptian pound lost about half its value. Photojournalist Hamada Elrasam has the story from Cairo.
Ramadan Arrives As Inflationary Pressures Burden Egyptians
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Emad El-Tarabieshy, a tailor and garment shop owner, says clients "who used to buy two pieces, now only buy one. Some are also dusting off their old fez hat.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Hossam Mohamed, who designs fez hats for a living, says, “The demand for fezzes is low these days, so most of the craftspeople in this workshop have left for other jobs.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Nasser Banha and Mostafa Nasser, father and son, handcraft traditional Ramadan lanterns in their small workshop inside their apartment building. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Abu-Osama Fawanies, who sells traditional Ramadan lanterns, says, ”The market is calm this season, with most shoppers coming in to check the prices or buy cheaper and small designs.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
