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
Unique eco-art center to open in Israeli desert The soon-to-be-created Art Laboratory for Future Ecologies in the desert Arava region in southern Israel was envisioned by Israeli international artist Galit Eilat. Israel
Lebanese initiative to support struggling zaatar producers Small-scale producers in Lebanon are struggling to stay in business due to harsh economic conditions, but projects like Mazeej are helping them to turn things around for the better. Lebanon
Libyan antiquities at risk from political instability, conflict After years of neglect and looting, authorities in Libya are showing growing interest in protecting the country’s heritage and archaeological sites. North Africa
Egyptian government plans demolition of Nile's historic houseboats The Egyptian government is planning to clear the banks of the Nile River of floating residential houseboats to beautify the waterfront and implement new projects. Egypt
Turkish exhibit reveals ‘extraordinary world’ of Ottoman Empire's last caliph A retrospective of the artwork of Abdulmecid II, Islam’s last caliph, illustrates the dynasty’s fusion of East and West. Turkey
New archaeological discovery in King Khufu’s reign An Egyptian-German archaeological mission working in Matariya discovered granite stone blocks from the era of King Khufu in the Temple of the Sun, in addition to other rare artifacts. Egypt
Egypt to nominate fossil hotspot to UNESCO’s list Egypt has prepared a file to nominate the Gebel Qatrani area, which houses fossils of half of all creatures from the beginning of creation until today, in Fayoum to UNESCO's World Heritage List. Egypt
Road plan could bring demolitions to Cairo's City of the Dead Cairo's City of the Dead may be in for a new series of demolitions because of a new road plan, but the plan is uniting heritage defenders in opposition. Egypt
Rebirth Beirut brings nightlife back to Lebanon’s iconic Gemmayzeh NGO Rebirth Beirut has brought 24-hour power back to Lebanon’s beloved nightlife district, hoping to encourage visitors and businesses to return. Lebanon
Istanbul art exhibit celebrates Turkey’s groundbreaking female artists “I-You-They: A Century of Artist Women,” at Istanbul’s Mesher gallery, explores early artists who have largely been neglected in the canon, inviting today’s artists to re-examine their roots. Turkey
New exhibition spotlights forgotten Egyptians who discovered King Tut Delving into the archives of British archaeologist Howard Carter, who led the mission down to the pharaoh’s burial chamber, the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries shines a spotlight on the immense contribution of the locals — a role largely overlooked by history. Culture
Experts warn Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia at risk as ancient gate damaged The Hagia Sophia's damaged 1,400-year-old imperial gate could be the first of many disasters in the world heritage site due to neglect. Turkey
