Ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, the major Muslim “Feast of Sacrifice,” vulnerable households in Egypt face high food inflation and dropping purchasing power. Cairo-based photojournalist Hamada Elrasam traces some of their holy and everyday sacrifices. Written in collaboration with Elle Kurancid.
On This Eid al-Adha, Hard-Hit Egyptians Make Extra Sacrifice
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A promotional banner of the Egyptian president and his “Citizens First” initiative hangs over a state-run shop that sells subsidized meat amid the debt-ridden country’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, in Cairo, June 25, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Hamdy, a butcher who sells state-subsidized meat, says, "Even though we offer high quality cuts at the cheapest prices in the market, the turnout is low so far." In Cairo, Egypt, June 25, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Livestock sellers have noticed the cost-saving trend of up to seven families sharing one cow, as advised by Egypt’s top fatwa council this “Feast of Sacrifice,” which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
![Said, a livestock seller, says, “I’ve only sold 60 of the 100 sheep that I brought to [the market] this Eid. Most of my regulars, who used to buy two or three sheep, bought just one, and some haven’t even come by.” Hamada Elrasam/VOA)](https://gdb.voanews.com/01000000-c0a8-0242-465f-08db763b09ec_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Said, a livestock seller, says, “I’ve only sold 60 of the 100 sheep that I brought to [the market] this Eid. Most of my regulars, who used to buy two or three sheep, bought just one, and some haven’t even come by.” Hamada Elrasam/VOA)