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LEVEL B1

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Giant paintings are covering the grey buildings of Baghdad.

These murals are painted by Iraqi artist Wijdan al-Majed.

She often continues working alone, late into the evening.

It has worried some residents with traditional beliefs, who are against this.

Some people shout at her.

Baghdad's buildings need repairs.

But materials weren't available for 30 years.

There was a ban on international trade, the 2003 war and then fighting between local groups.

City mayor, Alaa Maan, decided murals would improve the city.

Al-Majed's murals include both famous people and ordinary Iraqis.

Her latest mural's almost complete.

It's of well-known Iraqi poet Muzaffer al-Nawab, who's written against bad governments in Iraq.

He spent a long time in prison.

Other images are of artists like Jawad Salim, and Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid.

Some murals are also of international people.

These include saint Mother Teresa and academic Max Weber.

Who to paint is the choice of the mayor.

But al-Majed turns his decisions into oversized public art, which she's pleased that more people can enjoy.

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