Analysis Why Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa compound rhetoric is dangerous and disruptive Israel's far-right minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for the establishment of a synagogue at the sensitive Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount complex, engendering fierce responses from Palestinian and Israeli leaders alike. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Sudan's war devastates cultural heritage as rival generals vie for power Sudan’s civil war is now well into its second year, and alongside forcing the population to the brink of famine, warring parties have also come for its heritage. Sudan
Lebanon's resistance through culture: Return of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema As Beirut continues to navigate its path toward recovery, Metropolis Cinema stands as a symbol of the enduring power of art and culture to resist, unite and inspire. Lebanon
Mysterious structure at Egypt’s pyramids could be undiscovered tomb The l-shaped structure was discovered at Giza’s Western Cemetery, known as a burial place for royal family members in ancient Egypt. Egypt
Reviving Kurdish language in northern Syria The self-administration in northern Syria is teaching the Kurdish language in a bid to revive it among the local population after decades of marginalization. Iraq
Nazareth celebrates Christmas without usual glitter Popular Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam first canceled, then uncanceled, the Christmas festivities at Nazareth, the city known as Jesus’ hometown, in response to Trump's Jerusalem declaration. While the festivities went on as usual, very few people joined the celebration. Israel
Iconic Armenian church survives war but not plunder in Turkey The Surp Giragos Armenian Church in Diyarbakir enters the Christmas season as a victim of plunder and vandalism, despite its location in a sealed-off area with heavy security presence. Turkey
Jordan pays homage to Palestinian 'Lady Photographer' with exhibit In a neighborhood in Amman, a photography exhibition honors Karimeh Abbud, also known as the "Lady Photographer," who stood apart from her male contemporaries with her unique access to Palestinian women in their homes. Palestine
Turkish feminist artist takes on Mount Qaf An exhibition in Istanbul by the Turkish artist CANAN defies gender stereotypes and sexual taboos, marrying the personal with the political. Turkey
Powdered orchid and water-buffalo cream: Turks delight in Ottoman dishes Authentic Turkish dishes, some going back to Ottoman times, remain popular with locals, but are hard to reproduce abroad. Turkey
Turkey pays homage to 'ceramicist for the people' The "Fureya Koral Retrospective" in Istanbul shows how a pioneering artist reinterpreted ceramics, a traditional Turkish craft, to create murals in the new republic. Turkey
Cairo Opera House embraces change with world artists, new music Cairo's venerable opera house is working to restore its past glory and lost audiences by expanding its program. Egypt
Culture Alert: Fashion, books and photography in December The Middle Eastern cultural calendar for the end of the year includes a book fair in Beirut, a modest-dress fashion event in Dubai and a cartoon biennial in Tehran. Egypt
'Rape of Proserpina' stirs hornet’s nest in Egypt The image of an Italian baroque statue posted to social media has rekindled the debate in Egypt on whether Islam allows naked figures. Egypt
Second Turkish city makes UNESCO gastronomy list Now that it boasts a second city, Hatay, in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Turkey’s tourism leaders are hoping to lure back Western tourists with their country's gastronomic delights. Turkey
Heartbreak in Turkey's Diyarbakir as development transforms ancient Sur The Turkish government promised to rebuild Diyarbakir and its ancient heart of Sur, but its modern plans offer both insult and injury to the city's heritage. Turkey