Russian couple faces deportation from Turkey after Bible reading at Hagia Sophia The couple were detained after reading from the Bible inside the Istanbul landmark, which remains one of Christianity’s most important historic sites despite its conversion into a mosque. Turkey
Culture Tyre, Lebanon’s ‘Queen of the Seas,’ devastated by Israeli bombing: What to know A series of Israeli strikes near ancient ruins in the Phoenician port city has raised concerns about potential damage to historical landmarks. Lebanon
Between heat and war, Saudi Arabia seeks incident-free Hajj Mecca's temperature reached a high of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday and is expected to hit 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius) on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia
Culture Syria advances cultural revival with nine new heritage listings Nine heritage sites have been added to list of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which restored Syria’s membership last year after a 14-year suspension. Syria
Analysis Pushed out of Sahel, Macron turns to Egypt and Africa's anglophone countries By Rina Bassist , Rosaleen Carroll
Israel’s top court cancels bonus plan for artists performing in settlements The High Court rules in favor of a petition that sought to end a policy of giving government bonuses to artists who performed in West bank settlements. Palestine
Coronavirus changes Iraq’s traditions of physical touch The imposition of social distancing in Iraq to avoid the spread of the coronavirus has affected Iraqi cultural habits such as shaking hands and kissing. Iraq
In Cairo, different architectural styles mingle with each other Egypt's plans to celebrate its multi-layered Islamic heritage stumbles upon coronavirus measures. Egypt
Palestinians rediscover vast appetite for snails Snail recipes been passed from generation to generation in the Middle East, where many historical sources suggest the dish originated, and their popularity has led to a population decline in the West Bank. Palestine
Jordanian artist taps absurd for 'Camel in the Room' With iconic imagery such as camels and locks, artist Raed Ibrahim explores the complexities of Middle Eastern identity, memory and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Palestine
Women bid goodbye to their submerged homes in ancient town of Turkey Women whose houses are left underwater due to the Ilisu Dam vow to keep their memories alive. Turkey
Can this veteran singer save Kurdish people's forgotten tunes? Kurdish singer Mazhar Khaliqi says the Kurds should use globalization and technology to carry their musical tradition beyond the borders of the Middle East. Iraq
Tunisian art becomes matter of taste Two Tunisian chefs are marrying art with gastronomy in a fresh look at the country's culinary and artistic heritage. Tunisia
Can Istanbul's mayor forge tourism as a tool for democracy? Tourism is providing a test case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s advocacy of “local participatory democracy," prompting a struggle with the government in Ankara over prominent landmarks in his city. Turkey
Ancient, modern cultures still mingle in central Erbil's Ottoman masterpieces Erbil's citadel and grand central market are living examples of the city's cultural heritage, which is both distinctly Ottoman and shaped by its local setting. Iraq
Israeli swimmer's discovery of Egyptian artifact met with suspicion in Cairo An Israeli swimmer discovered a 3,400-year-old stone engraved with hieroglyphs last year, but some Egyptian experts have a hard time believing the story. Egypt
Palestinian architect turns conservation of heritage into resistance Nadia Habash, named by Middle East Architect magazine as one of 50 influential architects in the region, says preserving heritage is a national statement. Palestine
