Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 Pope Francis died on Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, advocating for human rights and inclusion in the Middle East and beyond. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Khartoum accuses RSF of looting and destroying Sudan's heritage: What to know The Sudanese government accused the Rapid Support Forces of looting and destroying cultural heritage sites, including the Sudan National Museum, during their occupation of Khartoum, calling the actions war crimes and pledging to work with UNESCO and Interpol to recover stolen artifacts. Sudan
In photos: Muslims celebrate Eid el-Fitr across the Middle East Muslims in the Middle East came together on Sunday and Monday to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Saudi Arabia
Israeli army escorts ultra-Orthodox Jews to religious site in south Lebanon: What to know The Israeli military allowed hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Israeli civilians into southern Lebanon to visit a religious site, meeting condemnation from Lebanon's army. Lebanon
Muslims across Middle East welcome Ramadan despite war, inflation By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Feature Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Turkish folk costumes reflect roots from the Balkans, Central Asia The folk costumes of Anatolia show great variety, but most have two things in common: they consist of layers and they open at the front. Turkey
Tunisians hang on to shashiyyas despite modern alternatives Despite globalization and more affordable modern clothes, Tunisians still love to don a jebba or sefsari on special occasions. Tunisia
Can Baghdad's Rasheed Street save its name, glory? Once a cultural and economic hub, Baghdad's Rasheed Street will need a lot of work and investment to return to its days of glory. Iraq
Mosul archaeologist aims to reclaim her city's lost heritage Despite occupation, displacement and war, archaeologist Layla Salih never lost hope of rebuilding the Mesopotamian, Jewish, Christian and Islamic cultural heritage of her city, Mosul. Iraq
Women lead the way in Sinai hike A new hiking initiative in Egypt's Sinai governorate, where hikes are led by local Bedouin women, creates new opportunities and showcases compelling narratives. Egypt
Eastern Ghouta newcomers sweeten Aleppo countryside Familiar sweets with an eastern Ghouta flair are bringing novelty to street food in the Aleppo countryside. Syria
Yogurt: The Turks' other delight Home-made yogurt, the common denominator in the varied Turkish cuisine, is making a comeback thanks to today's health food trends. Turkey
Kurds in Afrin celebrate Nowruz despite ban Kurds in Syria’s northern city of Afrin, joined by internally displaced people, celebrated Nowruz despite a ban imposed by armed opposition factions. Syria
Iran’s Islamic authorities slowly embrace ancient Festival of Fire As Iranians uphold both religious values and national traditions, the Islamic Republic is beginning to recognize the once-rebuffed ancient Festival of Fire. Iran
Traditional Palestinian tile craft recedes as demand drops Brightly colored Shami tiles have long defined the vibrant architecture of Palestine and beyond, but cheaper alternatives mean demand has dwindled and the last remaining factory is a much quieter place these days. Palestine
Al-Azhar sheikh labels polygamy as unjust, stirs controversy Egypt’s grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, provoked controversy in Egypt by saying that polygamy can do “injustice to women and children.” Egypt
How this online app gives gamers keys to Al-Aqsa The new Protector of Al-Aqsa phone app seeks to familiarize younger generations with the role of this holy site in the Islamic heritage. Palestine
