Culture Turkish standup comic detained after act calling Erdogan 'dictator' goes viral Comedian Deniz Goktas’ arrest comes as Ankara intensifies prosecutions against opposition figures, journalists, artists and critics ahead of a major NATO summit. Turkey
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 By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
3D maps in Beirut tell story of Nakba “A National Monument” exhibition in Beirut presents the changing map of Palestine after the Nakba. Lebanon
Turkey's 'horse whisperer' races ahead at the box office A cinematic homage about the record-breaking racehorse Bold Pilot and his jockey is filling Turkish theaters and bringing audiences to tears. Turkey
How an Ottoman diplomat captured Levantine 'glitterati' in caricatures An exhibition in the Turkish capital highlights an Ottoman bureaucrat's caricatures of the diplomatic set in the waning days of the empire. Turkey
"We’re here, we exist": Sidon’s poets break new ground Musicians and poets are challenging social norms in Sidon, Lebanon’s conservative third-largest city. Lebanon
Istanbul residents opt for New Year's celebrations on water Due to rising prices and security and sexual harassment concerns, a growing number of middle-class Turks will ring in the new year on the Bosporus. Turkey
Theater returns to Idlib A group of actors has formed the Syrian Troupe for Theatrical Arts and performed recently for the children in Idlib. Syria
Creating hipster culture in an old tobacco factory in Sulaimaniyah Sulaimaniyah's defunct tobacco factory celebrates its second year as an arts and culture center. Iraq
Why Turkey's performance artists take to streets Turkey’s best-known performance art work is the dignified immobility of a man at the height of the Gezi Park protests five years ago; many young artists have followed in his footsteps since. Turkey
What made this Iranian TV host lose his job? A young state TV host is fired from his job after he criticized one of the most outspoken cinema critics of Iran. Iran
Tunisian documentary smashes taboos with gay love story Nasreddine Shili’s hyperreal documentary takes a tender look at homosexuality, poverty and drug use in Tunis slums. Tunisia
Egypt's oldest festival makes room for women directors The Cairo International Film Festival is putting female directors in the spotlight this year, including adding a section dedicated to their works. Egypt
