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
Syrian folk dancers stomp their way into Egyptian society Syrian refugees who formed a dabke troupe four years ago are increasingly popular at Egyptian weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Egypt
Armenian ceramics artist keeps ancient craft alive in Jerusalem The ancient art of ceramics and tile making lives on in Jerusalem, where the artistic tradition has become part of the treasured local heritage. Palestine
Meze makers spill their beans in Turkey's Mediterranean port Turkey’s first Meze Festival held in Antalya Sept. 14 brought together chefs from Beirut to Athens, to showcase how a handful of beans may yield different tastes across the region. Turkey
Jordanians celebrate sweet success with kanafeh Kanafeh, a Middle Eastern sweet that has its roots in Turkey, has found its way via Palestine to Jordan, where despite the influx of Syrian refugees and a struggling economy pastry shops are thriving. Palestine
Photography, opera come together in Tel Aviv A new exhibition invites seven leading Israeli photographers to interpret the Israeli Opera 2017-2018 season through their own perspectives. Israel
Egyptian proposal to protect formal Arabic has journalists worried Critics say a draft law intended to preserve traditional, formal Arabic and discourage the use of the modern Egyptian dialect threatens the freedom of the press. Egypt
Culture Alert: November the month for contemporary art, photography Several major art events are entering their final weeks and months in the region. Egypt
Why Turkey’s 'naked art' needs protection Stuck between censorious local authorities and vandals ready to smash what they do not like, statues of nudes are quietly being removed from public spaces. Turkey
Alexandria’s France Street still living in its golden age Alexandria's cherished gold district is nestled into an ancient corner where the city's rich heritage and multicultural past is still vibrant. Egypt
Lebanon battles to get its treasures back A marble bull’s head and a statue of a calf bearer, stolen in 1981, are due to return to Lebanon after a legal battle with private collectors in the United States. Lebanon
Is an Egyptian version of UNESCO in the making? After losing in the runoff to the top post at UNESCO, Moushira Khattab proposed the establishment of an Egyptian UNESCO to help promote culture, education and heritage. Egypt
Iraq's clairvoyants see fame, fortune — for themselves The practice of magic and sorcery has become widespread in Iraq as TV channels give them a platform and people pay huge amounts for quick remedies and potions. Iraq
