Iraq’s tallest man laments negligence at home

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD

Despite recording his name in Guinness World Records, Faid Issawi, the world’s second tallest man and Iraq’s tallest person, lacks enough support from Iraqi authorities.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency in the capital Baghdad, Issawi, 27, said the authorities have showed no interest in supporting him.

"I was awarded the world's tallest young man title between 2014-2017 by Guinness World Records,” he said.

The 2.37-meter man said he had applied to the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sport “as an individual who represents his country”.

“However, they showed no interest,” Issawi, a member of Iraq’s national basketball team lamented. “I’m not looking for financial support, but for moral support.”

Issawi said he has a strong following on social media.

“I currently have 480,000 followers, most of whom are young and university students," he said. "I could easily win a seat in parliament if I had run for election, thanks to my fans, but I’m not looking to go into politics.”

Issawi said Turkey has a special place in his heart as he spent around a year in the central city of Aksaray.

"I hope to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and give him some historical Iraqi artifacts in appreciation,” he said.

The Iraqi man said he is going to participate in a competition in Turkey in January.

“I will later take part in contests in the U.S., England, and Spain,” he said. “I would like to be a peace envoy representing the Muslim and Arab world."