Although Syria is known as being overwhelmingly Muslim, there is an active Christian minority living there, comprising about 10 percent of the population. This community has been there since the beginnings of Christianity. According to Massimo Mastrorillo, the various religions in Syria are therefore closer to one another than is often thought.

Massimo Mastrorillo (b. 1961, Italy) photographs for clients such as Geo France, Panorama and The Sunday Telegraph. In 2005 his series on the tsunami was part of the Noorderlicht exhibition Traces & Omens.