...GIZA, EGYPT - MAY 30, 2025: The Burqash camel market in Egypt’s Giza province, the oldest and largest of its kind in the Middle East, experienced heightened activity on Friday (May 30) ahead of Eid al-Adha as Egyptians flocked to purchase sacrificial camels. Egyptians from across the country are flocking to the market to buy camels in preparation for the Islamic holiday. Situated in the Burqash area northwest of Giza and far from the city center, the market spans approximately 25 acres and has been operating since 1995. It remains Egypt’s only dedicated camel market and the largest in both the Arab world and the broader Middle East. The market is open on Fridays and Sundays, with most sales conducted through public auctions. Activity begins early in the morning and peaks as hundreds of camels are brought in. Sellers use sticks to guide the animals, while buyers engage in intense bargaining to secure the best deal. Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important holidays in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims around the world mark the occasion by sacrificing animals such as sheep, goats, cows, and camels, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and those in need. As the holiday approaches, the Burqash market plays a central role in helping Egyptians fulfill this religious duty, making it a vital hub for both economic and spiritual activity. Writing by Nur Zeynep Dukmen