Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
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
Egypt’s would-be couples get training before tying the knot In an effort to lower the country's divorce rate, Egypt launches yet another program to provide pre-marriage training to would-be couples. Egypt
New villages are mushrooming in Syria’s opposition-held areas Syria's displaced are creating small towns after having been forced out of their hometowns. Syria
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
The social toll of Turkey’s emergency rule Turkey’s state of emergency ended last year, but its victims continue to suffer, with many entertaining suicidal thoughts or aspiring to leave the country, according to a recent survey. Turkey
Meet the woman who introduced kimbaps to Gaza Samah Haboub, renowned for her delicious Palestinian meals, has launched an online Korean food business. Palestine
7,000 runners expected to join Palestine Marathon's seventh race Since 2013, the Palestine Marathon has been an eloquent call for freedom of movement in the West Bank. Palestine
Tunisian activists call for regulating cannabis production, distribution A youth initiative is drafting a proposal to legalize cannabis and monitor its use and distribution, to be presented to parliament. Tunisia
Israeli model stands up to Netanyahu on equality Popular Israeli model and actress Rotem Sela has riled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by reminding him that Israel has a diverse citizenry, including Arabs, who have the right to political representation. Israel
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
Comics expo draws crowds in Beirut A Beirut comic and graphic novel exhibition promoted the educational and journalistic values of the art form in the Middle East. Egypt
Where Cairenes go just for laughs Stand-ups in Cairo ease the sometimes grim reality of everyday life in their chaotic megalopolis. Egypt
