Syria mandates burkinis for women at public beaches: What to know The decree has sparked concern that Syria’s new government could be veering toward a more strict Islamist governance system. Syria
What to know about 1,500-year-old Byzantine tomb uncovered in Syria A contractor found a tomb complex dating back to the Byzantine Empire in Syria's Idlib province, just as many residents have started returning to their homes following the fall of Assad. Syria
In photos: Muslims kick off Eid al-Adha across the Middle East The holiday’s arrival cast a spotlight on deepening humanitarian crises, leadership transitions and shifting regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity. Egypt
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Erdogan and Germany's Steinmeier chuckle over doner kebab as ties grow The German president’s visit, marking the centennial of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Germany, came during a challenging time for Ankara-Berlin relations, given the wide gap over the Israel-Hamas war. Turkey
Turkey's famed Van cats see birthrates surge The exotic cats have been saved from extinction by a research and breeding center. Turkey
Nearly 1,000 buildings in Tripoli, Lebanon are at risk of collapse: Amnesty Amnesty International has denounced the local Tripoli government’s lack of action to protect residents who have been living in unsafe buildings since last year’s earthquake. Lebanon
One year after earthquake, Turkey's ancient Antioch still devastated Scars of the quake that killed 53,000 people and displaced millions run deep, and the road to restoration is fraught with political bickering. Turkey
Gaza 100 days: Palestinian heritage, churches, mosques decimated by Israeli strikes Hundreds of heritage and other historical landmarks have been damaged in the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza. Palestine
'Costumes of Egypt: Lost Legacies': An author's bid to save forgotten identities Art expert Shahira Mehrez talks about her quest to recollect and preserve the Egyptian women’s traditional costumes. Egypt
A ritual of hope: Exploring Istanbul's 'First Day of the Month Church' On the first day of 2024, hundreds from different faiths, including Muslims, flock to a famous Istanbul church, engaging in ancient rituals that transform New Year's aspirations into realities. Turkey
Despite regional tension, Egypt's Grand Museum readies to open The partially opened Grand Egyptian Museum is enticing visitors with the treasures of Tutankhamun, the “Golden King,” as work continues to complete the complex. Egypt
In cultural shift, Saudi Arabia allows pets on public transportation Pet owners can now bring their pets onto buses, boats and trains in the kingdom, but only under certain conditions. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey's 500-year-old hammam unveils Istanbul's Ottoman secrets The 16th-century Zeyrek Cinili Hammam, commissioned by corsair-turned-admiral Barbarossa and built by imperial architect Sinan, has found second life after surviving fires, earthquakes and suspicious sultans who feared hammams could be hotbeds of rebellion. Turkey
Turkey’s new UNESCO sites: City of King Midas, wooden mosques Among the sites awarded the “world heritage” designation is the ancient city of Gordion, which was once ruled by Midas — the king with the golden touch. Turkey
Analysis Saudi Arabia hosts first UNESCO session amid massive tourism drive Recognition of more sites by the global heritage organization may help the kingdom reach its goals of more jobs and revenue from tourism. By Salim A. Essaid
