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
Will Covid-19 put an end to hookah culture in Egypt? Once a symbol of Egypt’s cafes and mentioned through history, hookahs are slowly disappearing from society amid the closure of cafes across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
Ankara unfolds Hagia Sophia card against COVID-19 crisis Erdogan’s government has signaled it could consider turning the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque as part of religious messages aimed at keeping its voter base intact under the strain of economic turmoil, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkey
Iraqi series produced by Saudi Arabia sparks controversy Some TV programs on Saudi-funded channels have sparked controversy among Iraqis. Saudi Arabia
Israel’s top court cancels bonus plan for artists performing in settlements The High Court rules in favor of a petition that sought to end a policy of giving government bonuses to artists who performed in West bank settlements. Palestine
Coronavirus changes Iraq’s traditions of physical touch The imposition of social distancing in Iraq to avoid the spread of the coronavirus has affected Iraqi cultural habits such as shaking hands and kissing. Iraq
In Cairo, different architectural styles mingle with each other Egypt's plans to celebrate its multi-layered Islamic heritage stumbles upon coronavirus measures. Egypt
Palestinians rediscover vast appetite for snails Snail recipes been passed from generation to generation in the Middle East, where many historical sources suggest the dish originated, and their popularity has led to a population decline in the West Bank. Palestine
Jordanian artist taps absurd for 'Camel in the Room' With iconic imagery such as camels and locks, artist Raed Ibrahim explores the complexities of Middle Eastern identity, memory and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Palestine
Women bid goodbye to their submerged homes in ancient town of Turkey Women whose houses are left underwater due to the Ilisu Dam vow to keep their memories alive. Turkey
Can this veteran singer save Kurdish people's forgotten tunes? Kurdish singer Mazhar Khaliqi says the Kurds should use globalization and technology to carry their musical tradition beyond the borders of the Middle East. Iraq
Tunisian art becomes matter of taste Two Tunisian chefs are marrying art with gastronomy in a fresh look at the country's culinary and artistic heritage. Tunisia
Can Istanbul's mayor forge tourism as a tool for democracy? Tourism is providing a test case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s advocacy of “local participatory democracy," prompting a struggle with the government in Ankara over prominent landmarks in his city. Turkey