Baku townspeople criticize prices for sacrificial cattle for Eid al-Adha

On August 12, residents of Azerbaijan began celebrating Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha). Overall, 19 fairs have been organized in Baku for selling sacrificial animals. However, prices for sacrificial sheep are higher than recommended, buyers have complained.

On the occasion of the holiday, August 12 and 13 were declared days-off in Azerbaijan.

In its press release, issued on August 11, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture reported that it had fixed prices for sheep in the amount of 160 manats (USD 95), 170 manats (USD 100) and 180 manats (USD 106) per head, depending on the weight of the animal.

However, sellers of sacrificial animals fail to follow authorities' guidelines regarding prices, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, who visited one of the fairs in the Khatai District of Baku, reports. Prices for sheep at the fair were different - from 140 manats (USD 82) up to 230-250 manats (USD 135-147).

The buyer, who introduced himself as Sadykh Kerimov, a resident of Baku, complained that sellers wouldn't reduce the price. "They announced on TV that prices would not be more than 180 manats (USD 106). But here, for 180 manats you can buy only a thin animal. The rules of Eid al-Adha prescribe that a Muslim should distribute the sacrificial meat to seven addresses. Therefore, you need to buy a decent animal. I bought a sheep for 230 manats (USD 135)," the man told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 12, 2019 at 09:09 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.