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
1
Ahead of Ramadan, vendors in this popular market in Cairo say they see more visitors than buyers. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
2
Nuts and seeds are a Ramadan tradition, either as gifts or in recipes, but shopkeeper Hajj Ma’mon says his prices have doubled, even tripled, since last year. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
3
Hajj Ma’mon, an herbal shop owner, says, “There is no turnout this Ramadan, because regular food prices are so high. No one is thinking about buying high calorie nuts or seeds.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
4
Sheikhs and imams purchase new ceremonial clothing for the holy month of Ramadan. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
