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
Israeli photographers seek to define 'chutzpah' A recent photo exhibition examined whether "chutzpah," an Israeli word that has been exported into English and other languages, refers to vulgarity and disrespect or originality and guts. Israel
Egyptian writers use history to highlight the present Inspired by history and its relation to the present, novels by Rasha Adly and Ahmad Abdulatif landed them nominations for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. Egypt
Najaf’s wax statues kindle meltdown for conservative Iraqi clerics The exhibition of wax sculptures in a museum in Najaf, a conservative Shiite city, marks a major reformist development and a cultural breakthrough. Iraq
Barqa Museum in Nablus collects Palestinian heritage A family of collectors from Nablus has single-handedly created a museum of more than 5,000 pieces that reflect Palestine’s heritage since the Canaanite period. Palestine
Will Great Mosque of Samarra and its minaret survive? The 1,200-year-old minaret of the Great Mosque in Samarra is in dire need of restoration, which the Iraqi authorities and UNESCO have started working on. Iraq
Diyarbakir's signature dessert is multicultural tradition Diyarbakir owes its famous dessert, kadaif, to the 18th-century Armenian population, but today, Muslim transports from nearby Bingol have taken over the trade. Turkey
Female storyteller brings new twist to old Jordanian tales Sally Shalabi, a Palestinian-Jordanian storyteller, reinterprets the folk tales of the past to suit the events of the day, where women take on a more prominent role and are no longer bystanders. Jordan
Emerging Egyptian artist gives Orientalism new look Up-and-coming Egyptian artist Hossam Dirar has used old Orientalist paintings for his works in a new exhibition in Cairo. Egypt
An archive of resistance: Documenting Egypt's revolution As videos of the Egyptian regime’s violations during the 2011 and 2013 uprisings were disappearing from social media, the Mosireen Collective launched an online archive to keep the memory of the Arab Spring alive in the minds of citizens. Egypt
Girls of Jerusalem ensemble gets Palestinian voices heard A girls’ ensemble in East Jerusalem uses both traditional and Western musical instruments to perform traditional songs of Palestine. Palestine
Culture Alert: Art speaks to power in February February exhibitions in the Middle East offer satirical and fantastic looks at politics and society, clearly demonstrating that the fighting spirit in the arts is far from being defeated by the powers that be. Egypt
Palestinians pay homage to poet Fadwa Tuqan Palestinians are commemorating the centenary of their great poet Fadwa Tuqan, a fighter for her country and her rights as a woman. Palestine
