[Lebanon] Glass Recycling Revitalises Ancient Industry

Glassblowing, a tradition several thousand years old was on the brink of extinction in Lebanon just six months ago. However, thanks to an innovative new recycling project, the country's last glassblowing family, the Khalife's, has received more work in the past five months than the past five years combined! After months without work, the Khalifes are now selling lamps, carafes, cups, and vases in Beirut and abroad, with over $20,000 in orders since last November, including some from as far afield as New York and Switzerland. The craft's revival is a triumph of cooperation in a country increasingly buffeted by the Syrian war and internal political tensions. This article explains how this remarkable turnaround occurred.