In Syria, Mural Sets New World Record

Syrian artist Moaffak Makhoul and his team pose in Damascus with Guinness World Records award for the largest recycled material mural, March 31, 2014. The mural, seen behind them, measures 7,750 feet. Photo: Louai Beshara, courtesy Agence France-Presse.

In Damascus, a mural made of recycled materials has just set a new world record. Syrian artist Moaffak Makhoul and a team of six compatriots began the project in October 2013 in an attempt to revive hope in their war torn home country. The mural spans 720 square meters (7,749.98 square feet) and set the Guinness record for the largest mural of recycled materials upon its completion in January, Art Daily reports.

The mural is located in Al Mazzeh, an upscale neighborhood in Damascus. It is composed of manufactured waste: colorful scraps from cars, bicycles, cooking utensils, pipes, soft drink cans, mirrors, and ceramics. Housewives also lent a hand, bringing personal objects or pieces of domestic waste from war zones.

Syria’s ongoing civil war has killed around 146,000 people, has forced millions to flee, and forced most of those who have stayed indoors. But the mural is bringing people back out onto the street, according to the report. Makhoul told the AFP he felt the need “to give something to [his] country, to make the Syrian people be known for their love of beauty, life and nature.”


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