In the bustling neighborhood surrounding Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, the streets are lined with secondhand stores and repair shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere of commerce and craftsmanship.
Struggles of Shopkeepers
The shopkeepers, like 60-year-old Abbas and his son Asgar, face challenges in their business. Despite offering secondhand armchairs, they find themselves with idle storefronts as customers are scarce and economic hardship prevails.
Economic Downturn
Years of U.S. sanctions, coupled with economic mismanagement and corruption, have led to chronic inflation and financial instability in Iran. The people of Tehran feel the weight of these challenges, resorting to frugality and making do with limited resources.
A Sense of Decline
During interviews conducted in the Iranian capital, a common theme emerges – a feeling of economic decline and stagnation. Many individuals express a sense of helplessness as they struggle to keep up with rising costs and shrinking purchasing power.
Challenges in the Bazaar
The bustling Bazaar in Imam Hussein Square is filled with goods and eager salespeople, but the lack of customers is evident. Window shopping has become a common activity, reflecting the economic constraints faced by the people of Tehran.
| Image | Caption |
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 | Shops filled with goods and eager salespeople fill the Bazaar in Tehran’s Imam Hossein Square. What are missing are customers. |
