Turks celebrate Ramadan under shadow of pandemic From masked drummers to online pide contests, Turks are bringing new twists to Ramadan in the coronavirus era. Turkey
How COVID-19 threatens Istanbul's cultural heritage The novel coronavirus pandemic presents multiple threats to Istanbul's cultural heritage, both decimating tourism and distracting from destructive development projects. Turkey
The female body on display in Haifa At the tiny Mane-Katz Museum in Haifa an exhibition embraces feminine sculptures by Chana Orloff and her artist colleagues. Israel
Gazan authors start new chapter Although writers and publishers have suffered in the economic difficulties that have gripped the Gaza Strip since 2006, signs of a literary awakening are giving booklovers hope. Palestine
Turkish men not so worried about worry beads The traditional use of worry beads, or tesbih, thrives in modern times as a tool for personal therapy, a status symbol and a faithful companion. Turkey
Brutalism in Beersheeba Israeli architects formed a nonprofit association to promote Brutalist architecture in Israel and have submitted a request to UNESCO to recognize Beersheba as a World Heritage Site, representing this particular movement in architecture. Israel
One man’s mission to preserve Palestinian heritage Palestinian Saeed al-Ashkar interviews the elderly to reconstruct history and preserve Palestinian heritage. Palestine
After 500 years, Turkish coffee percolates in popularity On the brink of oblivion about a decade ago, Turkey’s ancient coffee culture is revived by a vibrant new generation of entrepreneurs and young consumers. Turkey
Palestinians married to traditional wedding dresses Palestinians are launching initiatives to keep the henna dress, and its link to Palestinian identity and heritage, alive around the world. Palestine
Mystery surrounds Iraqi statue's missing glass of wine The latest vandalism of a Baghdad statue underlines the cultural and political strife dividing Iraqis. Iraq
You won't believe what these Israeli hikers find on their 1,000 kilometer journey Israelis and tourists are captivated by the 1,000-kilometer Israel National Trail, which National Geographic selected as one of the world's 20 most highly recommended treks. Israel
Few dengbejs remain to sing Kurdish stories In the old city of Diyarbakir, a dengbej house was established for the few remaining Kurdish storytellers to gather and try to keep their tradition alive, although younger generations are resorting to pop culture to convey the people’s suffering. Syria
Ein Karem: One village, three religions Jews, Christians and Muslims have all made Jerusalem's Ein Karem neighborhood their home over the centuries. Israel
Perpetual neglect jeopardizes Gaza’s archaeological sites Successive governments have failed to attend to Gaza’s heritage, often neglecting it and effacing the country’s archaeological history. Palestine
Israel's hair-raising history The Jewish experience involving hair, inundated with symbols from the biblical Samson to the trauma of the Holocaust and including young men's tradition of shaving their heads upon recruitment to the IDF, is now moving toward an Israeli-global trend when it comes to the matter. Israel
Saving Middle East relics needs less talk, more action International action is required to stop the plundering of Middle Eastern treasures and the devastation of historic sites. Iraq
