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
Iraqi musicians fight to revive ancient art of maqam A handful of enthusiasts are trying to save Iraq's age-old melodic system known as maqam, which was placed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Iraq
Egyptian women replace smoking with qatrouna In Upper Egypt, while men come together for shisha, women relax by chewing a mix of tobacco and tar — yet health professionals warn of the many dangers. Egypt
Excavations start on Palestine’s oldest monastery St. Hilarion Monastery, named after the first monk in Palestine, gets international funding for a project that would enable its restoration in a two-year-long project. Palestine
Russia resumes flights to Egypt Russia resumed flights to Egypt today after two years of suspension in a move expected to give a massive boost to tourism. Egypt
Palestinian sisters dig into history of last all-Christian village Two sisters researched the history of Taybeh, where they grew up, and have published an encyclopedia on the only all-Christian village in Palestine. Palestine
Iraqi boat-makers struggle to keep their trade afloat The ancient craft of building boats, which is one of Iraq's oldest heritage industries, is disappearing, with only a few dozen workshops left in the country. Iraq
Iran’s supreme leader: I'm not in favor of polygamy Iran’s supreme leader is reported to not be in favor of polygamy, denying a fatwa attributed to him about the matter. Iran
Iraq to begin seizing assets of Saddam Hussein, cohorts The property of the regime of Saddam Hussein has become subject to confiscation, while many of the buildings are owned by political parties and occupied by current ministers and officials. Iraq
Hebrew prophet's tomb in Iraq saved from collapse The synagogue housing the tomb of the prophet Nahum — the only surviving prophet’s tomb from Mesopotamia — has been saved from collapse through the efforts of local Christians and with the help of a US-based organization. Iraq
Egyptian campaign speaks up for architectural heritage Inspired by the plight of an Alexandria villa that has played an important literary role, a group of Egyptians are working to educate the public and protect the remaining palaces and other architectural wealth of Egypt. Egypt
Culture Alert: March salutes women of all nationalities and sizes Many cultural activities in March focus on women, as artists and muses, in addition to the search for identity. Also of note is the first cooperation between the Louvre and the National Museum of Iran. Palestine
Fermented drink warms chilly Istanbul streets Boza, a drink of fermented grains, has long thawed Turkish hands and hearts on cold winter nights. Turkey
