Profits from Protest: Street Vendors Flock to Baghdad

There are no stores near Tahrir Square and at the beginning of the road leading toward it are children and men of various ages selling Iraqi flags. Some of the demonstrators carry the flags, others wrap them around their necks like scarves.

Mohammed Riyadh, one of the flag sellers, says he refuses to use the term “selling” for his business. “My country's flag is so precious, it is not for sale,” he argues.

But in fact, Riyadh is doing good business here. “ I am actually a taxi driver but my house is close to the demonstrations,” he tells NIQASH. “So I cannot drive the taxi because the streets are all closed. In order to make some money I bought the flags to sell to the demonstrators, so I could make some income to compensate for the lost business.”

A man in his 50s wanders past, dressed in a traditional Arab costume – he's selling traditional coffee, carrying a pot in one hand and cups in the other.

The man, who wanted to be known as Abu Abdullah, says he comes to all the demonstrations. “The demonstrators need a dose of true Arab coffee – it is part of our legacy,” he insists. “In fact these demonstrations provide me with an opportunity to introduce a new generation to Arabic coffee, instead of the coffee they usually get in cafes which has no taste!”

During recent demonstrations Abu Abdullah says he made US$70 by selling the traditional coffee. “I am doing this partly to remind people of our heritage and partly because it is a source of income for me.”

Other traders are selling tamarind and other fruit juices. The juices are in big barrels wrapped in cloth to keep them cold and the vendors carry cups on belts around their stomachs.

Another enterprising young man carries a styrofoam box on his shoulders – inside are different types of ice cream. “Come cool your heart,” he calls out to the demonstrators. No doubt he will also make a profit today, especially because many of the protestors' passions are inflamed by their calls for a more just political system in Iraq.