VOICED: Traditional Iraqi textiles dying out

The video discusses the traditional Abya garment, a symbol of Najaf, Iraq, worn by Arab businessmen and tribal leaders for 150 years. The US invasion in 2003 and the lifting of trade embargoes led to an influx of imported goods, threatening the local Abya market. Handwoven Abya, once a thriving business, now struggles against cheaper, mass-produced imports. Many weavers, like Razak Muhammad, have abandoned their craft for more profitable ventures, signaling a loss of cultural heritage and family businesses in Iraq.

What impact has the influx of foreign imports had on local businesses in Najaf?

In what ways does the decline of traditional weaving signify a loss of cultural heritage in Iraq?