Photos by Mariam Hamed
Gaza - Palestinians in Gaza are beset by siege which has caused a stagnated economy and limited access to food, medical and development aid. But as the month of Ramadan progresses, vendors mage to stock their best wares, and spirits are high as this special time of fasting, family and reflection unfolds.
Lanterns are ubiquitous at Ramadan, words welcoming the holy month illuminated along their sides. Ramadan lanterns in gaza are usually imported through Gaza's underground tunnels.
A store owner reads the Qur'an during spare time at his shop. A redoubled focus on prayer, reading the Qur'an and reflection on God are part of Ramadan's spiritual importance.
Ramadan, like Christmas in the West, is a time for presents and shopping as well. But just because the markets have wares for sale doesn't meant people have money to buy. The economy continues to stagnate, and unemployment is speculated to be as high as 60%.
A boy sells clothes on the street.
A market sells dates, which are traditionally eaten to break the dawn-to-dusk fast.
Meat is also in higher demand during Ramadan.
And of course sweets.
A woman shops for wares at a Gaza market. While more Israeli goods are allowed in Gaza since the siege was eased in June, it is likely much of what is on display is still smuggled in from Egypt.
Researchers say this Ramadan is expected to be the hottest in 30 years, and with frequent power outages in Gaza, it's tough to beat the heat.
Power outages have also meant that groups gather in cafes with strong generators to perform taraweeh prayer.
The location also lends itself to the viewing of Syrian soap operas, like "Bab Al-Hara" above.
During the day, groups gather at mosques for religious seminars during Ramadan.
These were held at Omari Mosque, the oldest in Gaza City.
Read All Comments (0) Post a Comment | Email To Friend | Gaza - Palestinians in Gaza are beset by siege which has caused a stagnated economy and limited access to food, medical and development aid. But as the month of Ramadan progresses, vendors mage to stock their best wares, and spirits are high as this special time of fasting, family and reflection unfolds.
Lanterns are ubiquitous at Ramadan, words welcoming the holy month illuminated along their sides. Ramadan lanterns in gaza are usually imported through Gaza's underground tunnels.
A store owner reads the Qur'an during spare time at his shop. A redoubled focus on prayer, reading the Qur'an and reflection on God are part of Ramadan's spiritual importance.
Ramadan, like Christmas in the West, is a time for presents and shopping as well. But just because the markets have wares for sale doesn't meant people have money to buy. The economy continues to stagnate, and unemployment is speculated to be as high as 60%.
A boy sells clothes on the street.
A market sells dates, which are traditionally eaten to break the dawn-to-dusk fast.
Meat is also in higher demand during Ramadan.
And of course sweets.
A woman shops for wares at a Gaza market. While more Israeli goods are allowed in Gaza since the siege was eased in June, it is likely much of what is on display is still smuggled in from Egypt.
Researchers say this Ramadan is expected to be the hottest in 30 years, and with frequent power outages in Gaza, it's tough to beat the heat.
Power outages have also meant that groups gather in cafes with strong generators to perform taraweeh prayer.
The location also lends itself to the viewing of Syrian soap operas, like "Bab Al-Hara" above.
During the day, groups gather at mosques for religious seminars during Ramadan.
These were held at Omari Mosque, the oldest in Gaza City.
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