Eid preparations were underway but slow in Erbil on Wednesday (March 18), as security concerns weighed on citizens who said "hearts are heavy".

People browsed stalls selling sweets, nuts and clothes beneath colourful lights in the city centre, with the historic Erbil Citadel visible in the background. Vendors arranged goods and called out to passers-by, though several said customers were arriving later than in previous years.

“In previous years, people would shop and prepare a few days before Eid, but this year people are very delayed and are not in a hurry to buy,” said clothes seller Yusuf Shreiko.

Some residents cited security concerns as one of the factors behind the subdued mood.

“There is fear in the hearts of some people because of the drones, and this has reduced business activity,” said Azad Harki, an Erbil resident.

Security incidents involving drones and missiles have been reported across Iraq’s Kurdistan region since the start of the Iran war on February 28th, including strikes on military bases, oil facilities and other sites. 

Shopkeepers said the uncertainty had changed the atmosphere compared with last year’s Eid preparations.

Despite the concerns, markets remained open and busy at times, with families continuing to shop for holiday essentials as Eid approaches.

Production: Kawa Omar, Bahareh Khodabandeh/Reuters