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
Kurdish singer aspires to run for Turkish parliament on AKP ticket Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surrounds himself with celebrities such as legendary Kurdish Arab singer Ibrahim Tatlises as a means of boosting support. Turkey
Egyptian artists outside Cairo struggle for spotlight The #Art_Has_No_Place campaign intends to break the monopoly of Cairo as Egypt's cultural capital. Egypt
Ramallah festival takes dancing to the streets The latest edition of the Ramallah Contemporary Dance Festival gained international recognition through the participation of international dance troupes. Palestine
Turkey’s Islamist ‘old guard’ joins Erdogan opponents The National View, the pioneer movement of political Islam in Turkey, has joined the opposition in its efforts to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in next month’s elections. Turkey
Israeli play digs into Hamas tunnel "In the Tunnel," a satirical play by Israel's Gesher Theater, asks its audience to decide every night if there is hope for a solution at the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel
Gaza’s budding modeling sector struggles against tradition In spite of the negative and abusive comments she receives, Reham al-Kahlout’s family supports her as she becomes a pioneer in the Gaza modeling sector. Palestine
Culture Alert: Fairs and fears of the future The Middle East culture scene in May includes street festivals, book fairs and visions of a dystopian future. Palestine
Jordanian civil initiatives craft wigs for cancer patients A small boy who hid his head under a hat inspired a hairdresser to create natural-looking wigs for children with cancer. Jordan
Iran’s Fajr film festival grabs headlines with Oliver Stone The Fajr International Film Festival's ambitious director is determined to get the festival top rankings by focusing on regional issues and high-profile guests. Iran
Turks mark May Day far from traditional rallying site The Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of protesters for violating a ban on May 1 demonstrations at Istanbul’s Taksim Square. Turkey
Iraq's Yazidis resume pilgrimages to sacred temple Thousands of Yazidis have returned to observe the Yazidi New Year in Lalish, where they gather olives and firewood to perform religious duties in the temple. Iraq
Turkey's university faculties unite against being divided Turkish academia is in upheaval following the government’s decision to split up 13 major universities to form new ones, while university departments say that the proposal is fueled by ulterior motives and that resources are already spread too thin. Turkey
