This week is the Eid holiday and most people in the ME take the whole week off. For those who know their bible, Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice) commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son, but at the very last minute God provided a lamb instead.
The actually day of Eid is today Tuesday 15th October and naturally the day begins with prayers in the mosque. This is followed by a huge breakfast and it is also traditional to wear new clothes.
If you can afford it, a sheep, goat or cow is sacrificed with ritual prayers and according to Islamic charity, one third of the meat goes to the poor, one third to the extended family and one third to the immediate family.
The city streets have been packed as local people shop for Eid and the numbers are swollen by overseas Kurds returning home, Kurds from Iran and Iraqi Arabs just wanting a break. With all these visitors security has been strengthened and police are everywhere, though the atmosphere is really relaxed.
I on the other hand have decided to take advantage of the holiday to go to Dubai for a few days as a post-birthday treat.....
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