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
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
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
Muslims across Middle East welcome Ramadan despite war, inflation By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Can Gaza rebuild its arts haven damaged by Israeli bombing? The Arts and Crafts Village in Gaza City has provided a base for artists for nearly two decades, but after Israel's attack last month, the village needs help rebuilding. Palestine
Medieval Turkish village reinvents itself as tech hub In the mid-15th century, Sultan Mehmet II strategically dispatched 300 soldiers across the coast from Lesbos; today, the old Janissary village bids for technological, rather than military, power. Turkey
Home for a day: Palestinian diaspora reconnects with motherland A project run by Ziad Bakri in Palestine aims to reconnect Palestinians in the diaspora with their family's history by visiting the homes their relatives left in 1948. Palestine
Iranian artists show solidarity as nation grapples with economic woes As ordinary Iranians feel the pinch of their country’s economic crisis, a popular singer is planning free concerts to ease the pressure. Iran
Historic Jerusalem market reopens with new purpose The ancient market of Tankiz Khan has been restored and has found new life as Al-Quds University's Jerusalem studies center. Palestine
Residents of Cairo's historic buildings make plea to prevent demolitions Cairo's governorate is destroying architectural heritage in Egypt as part of the Maspero Triangle investment plan. Egypt
Museum honors goats' central role in Ankara history An exhibit in an Ankara museum explores Turkey's legendary mohair and the declining number of Angora goats that produce it. Turkey
Tehran's newest cafe offers glimmer of hope for disabled Iranians Unemployment and isolation are some of the biggest problems facing Iran's disabled population, and a cafe run by a staff with autism and Down syndrome is just what its employees needed. Iran
Palestinians use embroidery, amulets to avert evil eye Embroideries that express political messages as well as identity and longings, together with amulets for averting evil, are on display in the Palestinian Museum. Palestine
Egypt's dwindling Jewish community struggles to maintain its heritage The leader of Egypt's tiny Jewish community has plans to make sure the country's long Jewish heritage outlives her by expanding synagogues into cultural centers and libraries. Egypt
Why many Iraqi Kurds keep tradition of cockfighting alive Cockfighting in Iraq still provides many men with a nightly escape despite the efforts of animal welfare activists to ban blood sports. Iraq
Sufi women blazing new trail in Nablus A unique group of some 40 women come together each week at a religious school in Nablus to practice Sufi rituals and study the faith. Palestine
