Good Demand on Eid Garments in Sudan Despite War, Displacement
(Arab World Press) - Despite the war that has been raging for nearly a year, the Sudanese have not given up their tradition of buying new galabeyas for Eid Al Fitr, or Ramadan Bayram, for which they carefully select fabric, then have a tailor sew the garments by hand.
The shops in the city of Port Sudan, overlooking the Red Sea, have been visited by many local customers, as well as the displaced people who have fled their cities due to the war. Customers select the fabrics for the galabeyas, loose-fitting traditional gowns, and have their measurements taken by tailors as part of preparations for Eid.
The demand is not like the period prior to the war, which has aggravated the economic conditions suffered by the majority of Sudanese.
“People are troubled by the war, living standard pressures and low incomes. Some have experienced deteriorating conditions. Hopefully, things will become better,” said Mu’awiya Omar, a customer.
Abu-Hurayra Abbas, a merchant of fabrics, said that despite the war and other problems in the country, people are still coming to buy garments and the traditional Sudanese clothes.
Ismail Mahmoud, a tailor, said the demand is lower than usual, but is still good.
“Actually, this demand is beyond our expectations. Regardless of the war, people are still buying galabeyas,” he added.
The devastating war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been going on since mid-April 2023, and has caused the internal displacement of millions of Sudanese, while others have left the country altogether.