Shawqo d’Nohro, Bazaar of Light, illuminates Beth Zalin (Qamishli) with hope, heritage, and handmade dreams

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — In the heart of Beth Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, the second annual ‘Shawqo d’Nohro’ (Bazaar of Light / Bazaar al-Nour) has once again transformed local streets into a tapestry of color, creativity, and shared hope. Organized by the University Family of St. Ephrem the Syriac — a youth-led initiative anchored in the Syriac Orthodox Church — the event is much more than a marketplace. It is a moving celebration of a collective identity where arts, crafts, and community spirit reaffirm a commitment to education and cultural survival.

Beyond offering a showcase for local artisans, the bazaar serves a noble dual purpose: supporting both education and cultural identity. All proceeds from the event are dedicated entirely to the Ibn al-Abri Committee, which provides crucial financial assistance to university students from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. This initiative is especially vital at a time when many young people face severe challenges continuing their studies amid a persistent economic downturn.

More than simply offering an array of handmade products, Shawqo d’Nohro stands as a beacon for a community that has weathered hardship. Every intricately crafted piece — from natural wood carvings to delicate metalwork and ornamental plaster — is imbued with stories of perseverance and passion. “The goal is simple,” explained Sameer Shamoun, a coordinator of the bazaar. “We want to give our people in Beth Zalin an event that matters — an occasion where, amidst adversity, even a little light can illuminate the darkest of days.”

Once a thriving commercial crossroads on the Syrian border, Beth Zalin now bears the scars of economic hardship, frequent power outages, and the lingering effects of conflict. Yet, its mosaic of inhabitants — Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), Armenians, Kurds, and Arabs — continue to defy the odds. The bazaar not only helps revive local commerce but also reinforces the strength that lies in diversity. Amid the constrained circumstances, the very act of coming together, sharing traditional crafts and stories, becomes a testament to resilience and unity.

The event is particularly heartwarming this year, with numerous couples joining as vendors. Their partnerships infuse the market with a genuine warmth that speaks of shared dreams and long journeys begun together. “This is our first step, but it marks the beginning of a long path,” beamed Elissar Saliba, founder of ‘Heart Made,’ who participated alongside her husband, Jack Abed al-Maseeh. Their booth, featuring products made from natural wood, metal, and plaster, offers more than merchandise — it shares a piece of their soul. Jack, whose mastery in woodburning adds an artistic flair to their creations, recalled, “We wished we had started preparing sooner, but our debut has been both humbling and inspirational, and it fills us with hope for future bazaars.”

Children’s activities, live musical performances, and dedicated corners for the Syriac language further enliven the event, highlighting its role in preserving cultural heritage. Athra Benhan of ‘Party Queen,’ a project dedicated to event planning and festive decoration, noted, “Events like these strengthen our community. The collective love and support we experience here only grows with each gathering, and it fuels our aspirations to one day see our culture celebrated far and wide.” Chef Fadi Khoury, her fiancé and business partner, added, “It’s not just about selling — it’s about feeling the pulse of life and cherishing the moments of connection.”

In a land where dreams often wrestle with harsh realities and many are tempted to leave in search of brighter prospects, Shawqo d’Nohro offers an alternative narrative — a story of enduring hope and quiet defiance.

It serves as a poignant reminder that even a small gesture of light, when shared, can ignite a flame of resilience that spans generations. For the people of Beth Zalin, Shawqo d’Nohro is not only a celebration of craftsmanship and tradition, but also a tender promise of a united, brighter future where heritage and hope shine as one.

“What we’re doing may be small,” said Sameer Shamoun, “but it’s real. And in a place like Beth Zalin, sometimes just a little light is enough.”