Inspired by the architecture of the Gemayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods, which were particularly strongly influenced, architect Ramzi Abu Fadil initially designed a set of delicate candle houses, which included, for example, triple arches. All the profits from this project went directly to the Beirut Heritage Initiative, which works to rehabilitate damaged buildings that were constructed between 1860 and 1930.

 

As Christmas approached, Abu Fadel set out to locally produce carved ornaments painted in red and white and hand-finished by people with disabilities. “It’s a sad Christmas in Lebanon. So I thought that this initiative will allow people to show their love for Beirut by decorating their trees with these ornaments,” he said.