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
Lebanon’s new wines step on stage Old and new vineyards show off their wines and present them to local and international buyers at Beirut's Vinifest. Lebanon
Turkey's women step up protests against AKP, its supporters Turkey has been a scene of female protests, from women protesting against the new law on marriage to actresses making statements on festivals. Turkey
Dignity for Israel's disabled, Holocaust survivors Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and others shamefully abandoned the disabled and Holocaust survivors. Israel
'The Insult' tops box office in Lebanon Ziad Doueiri’s latest film has been out three weeks and it’s at the top of the box office ever since, taking almost 50% of total film admissions. Lebanon
How did haircuts, nail polish become part of Iran's Shiite mourning rituals? Traditional Shiite mourning rituals for the holy month of Muharram are being altered in Iran by what some see as superficialiity and a lack of religious principle. Iran
Explosions, heartbreak rock ancient Turkish site as dam moves forward More than 60 years in the making, Turkey's Ilisu Dam project is set to finally flood 12,000-year-old Hasankeyf and all its relics. Turkey
Palestinians get helping hand as olive harvest begins Several international bodies and local groups have launched campaigns aimed at helping Palestinians harvest olives at West Bank farms that are under threat of attacks by Israeli settlers. Palestine
Moneyed interests blocking path to peace in Mideast As in the United States, money in politics is fueling violence and hijacking democracy in Israel. Palestine
Beirut's international film festival turns 20 The celebrated Beirut International Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers in the region to speak out on subjects that are taboo in their own countries. Lebanon
Why Palestine needs national library more than presidential palace Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' announcement of a national library was welcomed by the country’s cultural elite who consider it a start in securing Palestinian heritage and memory. Palestine
Contemporary artists explore family ties, homeland in Jerusalem The third Jerusalem Biennale, themed "Watershed," brings together disparate streams of Jewish artists to offer their unique perspectives on evolving identities and the concept of a homeland. Israel
TEDx Palestine gathers success stories in Gaza "Creativity is not limited by circumstances," said one of the speakers at TEDx University of Palestine, where talented Gazans recently found a platform to voice their ideas. Palestine
