Arabs thank Turkey with Guinness record attempt

ISTANBUL

Arab groups in Turkey attempted a new Guinness World Record on Sunday by trying to form a human chain to form the word “Tesekkurler” (Thanks) in Turkish.

Some 7,000 people from various Arab countries gathered at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul to spell out the word.

The record attempt occurred as part of the three-day Thanks Turkey festival, which started in Istanbul on Friday.

The festival included art exhibitions, music recitals and academic conferences.

Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal, who attended the event, praised Turkey.

“While huge countries did not accept refugees, Turkey accepts and hosts them,” he said Saturday.