DAMASCUS ,SANA– Gleaming chandeliers of copper, crystal, and bronze illuminated the Ministry of Tourism’s pavilion at the 62nd Damascus International Fair, combining heritage artistry with modern appeal and attracting large numbers of visitors.
Craftsman Faisal Ghazi, a veteran chandelier maker, told SANA his family’s workshop began with his father, Mohammed Ghazi, who founded Syria’s first handmade chandelier workshop in 1957. “This is not just a profession, it is an art we love,” he said. Ghazi established his own workshop in 1991, producing a wide range of chandeliers including traditional Arab-style pieces, many of which are exported abroad.
He explained that the craft relies on raw copper and cast copper, which are shaped and worked through intricate processes before being adorned with crystal sourced from Egypt, China, and other suppliers. The chandeliers fall into two main categories: fully handmade heritage models and semi-handmade designs with at least 80 percent manual labor, both recognized as part of Syria’s traditional crafts.
Ghazi noted that his family’s participation in the Damascus International Fair dates back to 1963, earning gold medals in past editions. He said this year’s broader outreach to foreign traders offered new opportunities to promote Syrian craftsmanship in international markets.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that showcasing traditional crafts such as chandelier-making supports Syria’s cultural identity while offering artisans valuable exposure to investors and export opportunities.
Reem / Manar Salameh
