The project aims to regroup a large number of crafters, who cannot afford opening their own businesses, in one opened market where they can exhibit a variety of their handcrafted items to visitors.

“Our aim from this project is to avoid extinction of this historical and ancient industry which belongs to the history of Lebanon,” said Asaad Hariri, a businessman from Tripoli and head of the Association.

Crafters  are  today struggling to survive  amid a steep competition from technology products and from imports saturating markets. A few craft shops remain opened, but those are also struggling amid decreasing sales.

Seeking funding for the project, a delegation from the Association has met the Central Bank Governor, Riad Salameh, asking for the Bank’s support. “The Governor was supportive, and has even promised to visit the premises of the project,” said Hariri.

Members of the Association have bought the land that will boast the market, and have self-financed setting up the establishment, “which is designed  in a distinct, historical and ancient style,” said Hariri.

Today, the Association has received more than 400 applications from crafters from all around Tripoli, and is in the course of obtaining the financing needed to open the project. Once it becomes fully-operational, the Association will be managing, marketing, and  promoting the development.

"This project would give a boost for the neglected-Tripoli City. It will attract visitors, tourists, and even investors to come and visit our ancient and lovely city,” said Hariri. “It will put Tripoli on the country’s tourism map,” he said.