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
King Abdullah vows to complete restoration of Church of Holy Sepulchre Jordan’s King Abdullah shocked many when he vowed May 7 to help complete the restoration of the Christians’ most important church in Jerusalem. Palestine
Egyptian tattoo artist draws flowers, butterflies to hide burns Shenouda Abdel Malak draws free tattoos on burn victims as part of a project called "Love Yourself." Egypt
Festival brings Sufi bands from region and beyond to Palestine This year's Al-Kamandjati festival has brought Sufi music to Palestinians despite some technical difficulties and entry permit denials for musicians. Palestine
Egypt’s private sector to revamp 150 historic buildings in Cairo The Egyptian government is drawing up a plan to turn over historic buildings to the public sector to help refurbish them and rent them out Egypt
Egypt's camel racing shifts into high gear The Egyptian government seeks to modernize camel racing by establishing a new international racetrack and opting for robot jockeys. Egypt
Different faiths, shared sites explored in Istanbul An exhibition in Istanbul sheds light on religious sites and pilgrimages sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews alike, a phenomenon that is not widely known but is quite common in the Mediterranean region. Israel
Delicate art form floats into modern Egypt The intricate golden and silver embroidery called tally has a long tradition in Upper Egypt, and a small community of craftspeople is working to make sure its future is just as bright. Egypt
From Palestine with love: Designer explores postcard power A young Palestinian graphic designer combines old photos with modern designs to show a different side of her country. Palestine
Tehran’s biggest annual cultural event held amid ‘paper crisis’ The biggest annual cultural event in the Iranian capital kicks off amid a paper crisis and a controversy over rentierism tarnishing the publishing industry. Iran
Israel's traditional costumes display diversity From the many Jewish costumes that arrived to Israel, the ones still worn most are those of wedding ceremonies. Israel
Turkish folk costumes reflect roots from the Balkans, Central Asia The folk costumes of Anatolia show great variety, but most have two things in common: they consist of layers and they open at the front. Turkey
Tunisians hang on to shashiyyas despite modern alternatives Despite globalization and more affordable modern clothes, Tunisians still love to don a jebba or sefsari on special occasions. Tunisia
