Saudi Arabia’s falcon auction aims to spin tradition into tourism gold Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy and cultural tourism. Saudi Arabia
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
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
Rich Ottoman recipes grace Istanbul tables A restaurant in Istanbul's historical district of Fatih has revived 500-year-old Ottoman recipes, including a special goose dish that help develop lasting relationships with regional farmers. Turkey
Musicians bring art to streets to save picturesque hill in Amman A group of Jordanian artists is working to preserve the cultural heritage of Amman's beloved Jabal Luweibdeh area and protect it from overdevelopment. Jordan
UNESCO-listed Anatolian town gets contemporary museum The Odunpazari Modern Museum aims to develop the cultural offer in the Anatolian town of Eskisehir. Turkey
West Bank village courts tourists with eggplant, stone terraces A festival in the West Bank village of Battir celebrates the locally grown eggplant of the village known for its terraced cultivation of vines and olives. Palestine
Will Turkey's oldest library sweep Aga Khan prize? The restoration of Beyazit State Library, established by Sultan Abdulhamid II in 1884, has been short-listed for the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Turkey
A win-win solution on the Temple Mount Many have tried, but always failed, to resolve the issue of tensions occasionally flaring over praying on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, but the solution is not so difficult. Palestine
Why this traditional instrument is back on Tunisia's music charts A wave of nostalgia has hit Tunisian clubs after the success of a 1990s-themed Ramadan TV series inspired by traditional mezoued music. Tunisia
Israelis praying at Petra shrine sparks outrage in Jordan Jordanians expressed anger toward the government after pictures and videos began circulating showing Israeli tourists praying at a Muslim shrine in Petra, forcing the government to close the site. Israel
Basra church restored, but few Christians left to worship there Basra's Virgin Mary Chaldean Church has reopened after a $228,000 renovation, but the Christians still in the city are dwindling. Iraq
How war-torn Yemen prepares for Eid As Sanaanis prepare for Eid al-Adha, they buy a small pot of henna for girls and a traditional knife for boys; meat and new clothes are beyond the means of most. Yemen
A Bedouin band upcycles remnants of war for making music An ammunition box and a jerry can from the 1967 Arab-Israeli War has helped a Bedouin band make a name for itself. Egypt
Berber language heard but not seen in Siwa Oasis The Siwi language, used by Berbers in the Siwa Oasis, is considered endangered by UNESCO, but political obstacles prevent efforts to document and promote it. Egypt
