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Inflation is hitting Iran hard, affecting the quality of life of its inhabitants, who are forced to work multiple jobs to get their heads above water. The situation is getting worse.
Mashhad, Iran’s second city, is one of the most visited in the country with the presence in particular of the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth of the twelve imams of Shiism. Religious tourism is Mashhad’s main activity, and for several years, Iraqis have been coming in numbers despite galloping inflation in Iran. “Life is more expensive than before, yes, but the difference in the price of the dollar is in our favor”explains a visitor.
A striking contrast with the local Iranian population, who must add up odd jobs to hope to get by at the end of the month. All, or almost all, have at least two, even three professional activities to survive. “They say there is no problem, that everything is fine, but we all see it (…) our young generation is a sacrificed generation”, deplores a passerby. The Iranians, mourning the death of President Raïssi in May, will have to choose a new head of state on June 28, 2024.