The town of Bourj Hammoud, located north-east of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, is a mixed residential, industrial and commercial area and is one of the most densely populated districts in the Middle East. It is known as “Little Armenia” because it became a haven for Armenians following the mass killings of Armenians under Ottoman rule that began in 1915. Today, the area is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in all of Lebanon, and is considered a “hip” place by the country’s young and creative.
Armenians, known for their craftsmanship since ancient times, brought the skills of jewelry-making to Lebanon. It is due to their influence that Bourj Hammoud has become a leader in the design and production of unique jewelry.