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
Egypt brings long-awaited compensation to thousands of Nubians The Egyptian government made a show of providing compensation to thousands of displaced Nubians last month, but they still cling to the hope of returning to their lost land. Egypt
Popularity of Turkey's ancient temple worries archaeologists Gobekli Tepe, the oldest known place of worship in the world, has been a site of controversy as the Turkish government monetizes the mysterious archaeological treasure. Turkey
Israel at the service of Putin, Russian World War II narrative The Russian Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II still beats proudly in the hearts of Russians, which is why Moscow sought to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on its own terms in Jerusalem. Israel
What reopening the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue means for Egypt There are hardly enough Jews in Alexandria to form a quorum to hold prayers, making the renovation and reopening of the oldest synagogue in Egypt all the more meaningful to the country's Jewish community. Egypt
Christians in Iraq welcome 2020 with confidence and desire for change Iraqi Christians hope 2020 brings them more security and national acceptance and brings Iraq more unity and stability. Iraq
Trump's threat to Iran's antiquities sets off global uproar With 24 recognized sites, Iran is most heavily represented Middle Eastern country on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. United States
Can Karnak sphinxes survive on Tahrir Square? Egyptian and international experts and activists worry that moving four ram-headed sphinxes from Luxor to Tahrir Square will destroy the monuments. Egypt
Palestine's Christmas caravan lights up West Bank streets A yearly Christmas caravan that started in Bethlehem has brought some cheer to Palestinian children in several cities. Palestine
Why pastrami’s eastern version still rekindles rivalry The traditional taste of a spicy cured beef, pastirma, one of the most powerful cold cuts in the world, finds its place in new recipes. Egypt
Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, pristine snow beckons winter tourists Cappadocia offers intrepid tourists and art lovers alike plenty to do and see during the winter months. Turkey
Novy God holiday enchants Israelis with Soviet new year festivities After years of misunderstanding and rejection of the Soviet holiday, Novy God has become as Israeli as any other of the beloved traditions brought to the country by waves immigrants. Israel
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums return, piece by piece A vast plan to restore and revitalize Turkey's first modern museum, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, established in 1869, remains a partial work in progress, but the completion of the first phase has produced a visitor friendly and engaging environment. Turkey
