Because of the US sanctions, most Iranians can no longer afford the annual pilgrimage to Iraq’s Shiite sites. The Holy city of Najaf feels the strongest.
Since Trump’s Iran Embargo, only less Iranian pilgrims in the Iraqi city of Najaf
“Not a lot of Iranians can afford it since trump’s decision to come to Najaf. That’s why we lose a lot of money,” says Badr al-Jilawi, the owner of the Qasr al-Assad Hotels, the facilities in the vicinity of one of the most sacred Shia, the Shrine of Imam Ali, is located. Apart from a group of black-clad women in the Lobby, the usually well-attended Hotel empty – a direct result of the embargo of the USA on Iran.
Hotel owner Badr al-Jilawi: “We lose a lot of money due to the Embargo”
After all, the Qasr al-Assad is still open. In the past 12 months, about 500 to a total of close to 700 Hotels in Najaf their doors for good. As was many Restaurants. The economic consequences of the US sanctions against Iran are serious. Most of the Iranians had to call off their annual pilgrimage to Iraq’s Holy sites. Hotel owner the al-Jilawi has lose 90 percent of its revenue. “I had to extra beds in the rooms and rent them for three dollars, the equivalent of 2 euros 60 per bed. I never thought it would hit me so hard. In good times, I asked for a room is $ 100.
From the town to the pilgrim-crowds-metropolis
Najaf is almost completely dependent on the religious tourism from Iran, but the travel is for the Iranians by the US Embargo too expensive. Had started the trip shaft only in 2003, with the fall of the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. He had regarded the Iranians as enemies. Not least because of the eight-year war in the 1980s. With the coming to power of Shiites in Baghdad, the restrictions were dropped and the Shiite neighbors came by the Thousands in Iraq.
A picture from the past: Iranian pilgrims in Iraq
For the town of Najaf, which meant a massive change. Once a poor village with just 50 Hotels for a couple of religious pilgrims into Najaf, a city with tall buildings, shops, Hotels and Restaurants that could cater for thousands of tourists. Even the soup kitchens had to help all the pilgrims. Today, many Iraqis come here, the victims of the US embargo on Iran.
Dependence on electricity and Gas imports
But the worst is maybe yet. Also 16 years after the fall of Saddam, not produced Iraq is still enough energy for themselves, and so is of Gas and electricity imports from Iran dependent. And while Washington has allowed this, at least so far, is due to be completed this concession at the end of the month. From Baghdad it is already, you need one this summer more Iranian power. A need that also of the experience of violence in Basra comes. During the hot and humid summer, it had been there often enough electricity.
It is probably also a certain degree of dependence, which has prompted the Iraqi government to behave in the conflict between the United States and the neighbors, Iran in a neutral way. Both parties have in Baghdad a significant impact. The Americans have helped Iraq, a new government and a new military build up and support the country in the fight against “Islamic state” and its destruction. Iran, however, supports political parties and militias financially. And supplies Gas and electricity are also basic food as well as fruit and vegetables in Iraq.
“The Americans not only harm Iran,”
This dependence is especially in Najaf, where everyone calls the name “Donald Trump” as the reason for the many problems. “The Americans not only harm Iran, they also harm Iraq, because we lose customers and money,” says Syed Ali Mossawi, a part owner of a restaurant, the supplies usually groups of tourists. As in the past few months, many of the chairs remain on this lunch, empty.
Half of his customers he had lost, says Mossawi. He also had to lay off 40 percent of its employees. “And I’m not even completely from the Iranians-dependent. Imagine how the is not for those who work together with Iraqis, or pilgrims from other countries.” Only the Iranians came over the whole year in large numbers. In the almost empty streets around Najafs Holy Shrine, looking for some Lebanese can protect you from the sun. Shi’ites from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the Gulf States, especially around the religious holidays.
Semi-finished houses as a sign of crisis
“The Iranian pilgrims even bring your own food,” complains Kebab-Shop-owner Hamid Abbas
Not all of them in Najaf were able to make friends with the masses of people who moved once by the city. Now, no one complains. The exchange rate of the Iranian Toman – the currency had made the country once the Empire fell as a result of the US policy, in the basement. In the streets of Najaf hardly Toman will be issued. Half-finished houses are to be found everywhere in the centre of the city, where buses still some Iranian women, wrapped in their black Tschadors, settle.
“You can even bring your own food and prepare it here,” says Hamid Abbas, owner of a Kebab shop. He had no guests from Iran more. “Since Trump’s decision, the Iranians will not eat more.” Its revenues have decreased by 40 percent, but he remains optimistic. “If the problems with Iran are over, then our problems are solved.”
Paid Visa and yet no improvement
Jewelry-seller Ahmed Ali has not given up hope yet
Ahmed Ali, of the sold on one of the many bazaars of Najaf precious stones, rings and other jewelry, has lost 85 percent of its money. The Iranians buy from him otherwise, a special white stone that is almost transparent and it is only in the Holy city of Najaf. But such a stone the 17, more has sold-Year-old for months. “I have to adjust,” he says and points to the new jewelry that he sells now. It should also appeal to the pilgrims from other countries.
The downward unstoppable spiral, has given Iraq to the Iranians your Visa. But even this measure has brought no discernible improvements, say those affected by the crisis in Najaf. “In Iran, a chicken costs approximately 15 Toman, the equivalent of 0,0031 EUR. For us, it costs more than 100 Toman,” says Kebab Shop owner Abbas. Jewelry-seller Ali, like many other residents Najafs also, have not given up hope yet. “As soon as it is Trump allowed them, the Iranians again.”