Murals adorn the streets of the southern Iraqi city of Basra as it prepares to host the Gulf Cup (Gulf 25) which is being held in Iraq for the first time since 1979. About 25 volunteers gathered to paint murals on the walls of the city’s stadiums and streets in celebration of the tournament, which is scheduled to start next Friday, with the flags of the participating Gulf countries flying in markets and shops. Volunteer doctor in the group Dalia Al-Hamdani said the initiative involves about 25 people from different professions to contribute to the success of Gulf 25 by painting the walls of the Al-Mina Sports Stadium, which will witness the opening ceremony.
She added that the murals include various designs, including the chanashil (mashrabiya) of Basra, others dedicated to the nature of Basra, as well as a section for literary and historical figures, all of which aim to make Basra look more beautiful during the Persian bay 25. .
Muhammad Raad, a student at the Basra Dental College involved in the initiative, said that the main motive behind their initiative is patriotism, in addition to love of drawing, and reaffirmation that Iraqis are people who love a beautiful life, happiness and optimism. A Basra resident expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere of the tournament. Haider Diaa said: “We really like this atmosphere…after an absence of over 40 years. the ability of Iraq – and Basra in particular – to host sporting events.” In 2018, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) partially lifted the 1990 ban on tournaments in Iraq due to security concerns.
