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
Al-Bab’s historical covered marketplace back in business Store owners at a market in al-Bab have reopened their shops, which were heavily damaged in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
Egypt's trees threatened by urbanization Egypt, which has one of the most alarming levels of pollution in the Middle East, needs to preserve its green spaces, but government bodies shirk responsibility. Egypt
Turkey caps off Year of Troy with new museum As Turkey celebrates the 20th anniversary of Troy's inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage List, a new museum brings its 4,000 years of history and legends to life. Turkey
Kurds unite in new effort against linguistic assimilation in Turkey In a rare show of unity, nine Kurdish parties in Turkey have established a joint platform to promote the use of the Kurdish language against what they see as a creeping danger of assimilation. Turkey
Muslim family will not give up keys to iconic Jerusalem church despite pressure The controversy over the key to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City says more about the lack of political leadership in Jerusalem than about the current custodian's suitability for the role. Palestine
School bells ring again at Mosul's Christian school Shimon Safa Elementary School has welcomed students of many faiths for years, and now the Christian school has opened again, thanks to the residents of the city. Iraq
East Jerusalem students clean up city An EU-sponsored project called "My Green Jerusalem" has students from nine East Jerusalem schools cleaning up the city and recycling waste into artwork. Palestine
Beirut vendor's growing business bears fruit The popular store Fadi Fruits, a family business in Beirut, has expanded rapidly over the years with a combination of local and exotic produce. Lebanon
IDF commander seeks help for traumatized soldiers A veteran Israeli commander is helping raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and raise money to allow some of his former soldiers to obtain treatment for the PTSD they suffer as a result of the 2014 war in Gaza. Palestine
Turks rediscover beloved Arabesque icon in new biopic A new film about the life of Muslum Gurses, the legendary singer whose career spanned decades of Turkey's tumultuous history, has opened to throngs of old and new fans. Turkey
Still no charges for Turkey's top philanthropist after year behind bars Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala has spent a year behind bars, but the judiciary has yet to explain why he's still in jail. Turkey
The woman who defeated ultra-Orthodox politics The impressive victory of Aliza Bloch in the Beit Shemesh municipal election created new agendas and threatened the political and religious leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community. Israel
