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's large secondhand book market delivers bargains, rare gems In Egypt, book prices have doubled or tripled in the last few years, driving people to secondhand book stalls in Soor al-Azbakeya. Egypt
'Lived here' initiative spotlights homes of Egypt's most famous residents In an effort to introduce Egypt's famous figures to the next generation, 100 signs now mark where celebrated Egyptians like Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz or diva Umm Kulthum once lived. Egypt
Newspaper keeps Italian heritage in Tunisia alive Tunisia once hosted a significant Italian population, including the Finzi family, which founded Il Corriere di Tunisi, an Italian-language newspaper currently being kept afloat almost single-handedly by Silvia Finzi, an adamant defender of tolerance and multiculturalism. Tunisia
Gazoz, Turkey's eclectic national drink, recaptures its old fizz Gazoz, a light, fizzy and delicious drink that symbolized the recklessness of Turkish youth in the post-World War II era, is making a comeback. Turkey
Book boom reflects Turkish interest in military history The growing popularity of military history publications over the past two years offers clues to a transformation in Turkish society. Turkey
Nablus volunteers clean up city's Roman hippodrome As Palestinian Ministry of Tourism prepares its file on Nablus for the UNESCO World Heritage List, volunteers take revamping of a Roman site into their own hands. Palestine
Comeback actress stirs hornet’s nest on hijab in Egypt Actress Hala Shiha has changed her mind several times about her career and her attire, but her latest announcement has caused an unprecedented backlash. Egypt
Can Gaza rebuild its arts haven damaged by Israeli bombing? The Arts and Crafts Village in Gaza City has provided a base for artists for nearly two decades, but after Israel's attack last month, the village needs help rebuilding. Palestine
Medieval Turkish village reinvents itself as tech hub In the mid-15th century, Sultan Mehmet II strategically dispatched 300 soldiers across the coast from Lesbos; today, the old Janissary village bids for technological, rather than military, power. Turkey
Home for a day: Palestinian diaspora reconnects with motherland A project run by Ziad Bakri in Palestine aims to reconnect Palestinians in the diaspora with their family's history by visiting the homes their relatives left in 1948. Palestine
Iranian artists show solidarity as nation grapples with economic woes As ordinary Iranians feel the pinch of their country’s economic crisis, a popular singer is planning free concerts to ease the pressure. Iran
Historic Jerusalem market reopens with new purpose The ancient market of Tankiz Khan has been restored and has found new life as Al-Quds University's Jerusalem studies center. Palestine
