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
Culture Despite war, Lebanon reopens film archive celebrating cinematic history The reopening marks a major effort to preserve Lebanon’s rich cinematic history. Lebanon
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Istanbul's Arter ‘pushing boundaries' of Turkey's art scene Turkey’s newest contemporary art museum promises an ambitious program for 2020 and pledges to remain a haven for artistic expression. Turkey
Iranian sculptor builds statues for humanity, not auctions For over four decades, Iranian Kurdish sculptor Hadi Ziaoddini has sought to keep his art human and untainted by profit and politics. Iran
Cairo gallery ends decade on a funny note A gallery in Cairo is exhibiting 220 cartoons that illustrate what has made Egyptians laugh over the past 100 or so years. Egypt
Can Gaza's troubles get Ireland an Oscar? Ireland's nominee to the Academy Awards, "Gaza," sets the siege — brought on by history, Israel, Hamas and the abandonment of the international community — as the villain. Palestine
Has Iran's award-winning actress left Iran to escape prosecution? Appearing on a Saudi-funded TV show has led to speculations about the possible decision of Iranian actress Mahnaz Afshar not to go back to her home country. Saudi Arabia
Despite promises and hopes, Gaza's cinemas remain closed The Red Carpet Human Rights Film Festival in Gaza City aims to revive closed film theaters, but there is little progress on the ground. Palestine
Israeli singers form bridge to Arab countries Israeli Middle Eastern music is popular in various parts of the Arab world, where it forms a bridge through a common musical heritage. Kuwait
Artist imagines Palestine through conquest imagery, female form An exhibition by the artist Vera Tamari approaches Palestine through military helmets, the female form and landscapes. Palestine
Meet the actor who won Turkey's first Emmy Award for best performance Haluk Bilginer, a veteran actor whose roles range from King Lear to drifters, received an Emmy Award for best acting performance. Turkey
Why this TV series causes high drama between Cairo, Ankara After a decade of Ottoman splendors shown in popular Turkish soap operas, "Kingdoms of Fire" casts Selim, the Grim as the villain. Saudi Arabia
Joker jumps from screen to streets of global revolutions Joker masks — just like V for Vendetta masks 10 years ago — have become common in demonstrations from Lebanon to Iraq, as protesters search for symbols with which they can strike a blow against those in power. Lebanon
Archaeology's Trojan War: The artist who took on Schliemann Osman Hamdi, a 19th-century Ottoman painter whose works sold at record prices earlier this year, also saved artifacts from being smuggled out of Turkey by foreign archaeologists. Turkey
