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. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Turkey’s pop queen draws sudden wrath over five-year-old lyrics Sezen Aksu, the reclusive diva of Turkish pop, has become the latest target of conservatives who accuse her of blasphemy. Turkey
4,000-year-old stone board game discovered at Oman excavation site Archaelogists said the board game appeared similar to other games played during the Bronze Age. Oman
Bethlehem hopes for Christmas miracle as new variant stops visitors Bethlehem is readying for the holiday season and will go ahead with the lighting of the Christmas tree and a holiday market despite the new COVID-19 variant and fears of a new lockdown. Palestine
UK nominates documentary on femicide in Turkey for Oscars “Dying to Divorce,” the United Kingdom’s official entry into the Academy Awards for best international feature film, tells the story of Turkey’s gender-based violence victims, femicide and the inability of the legal system to bring the perpetrators to justice. Turkey
Netflix series awakens ghosts of past for Turkey's Jews "The Club" explores the old wounds of Turkey’s minuscule Jewish community, from lost Ladino songs to the wealth stolen by a draconian 1942 tax. Turkey
Archaeologists scoff at claim of second Sphinx statue An Egyptian tourism official claimed the discovery of a second statue of the Sphinx, sparking controversy and surprise in Egypt. Culture & Society
Egypt celebrates Prophet's birthday with Sufi music stars Egypt held the first Mawlid festival with Sufi chanting performances to highlight the main core of Sufism, which is combining all religions and urges people to accept each other, whatever their religion is. Culture
Istanbul street dog becomes social media influencer Boji the street dog has amassed thousands of followers, including a politician or two. Turkey
Qatari artist takes creative stand against plastic binge Pictures of an abaya covered with plastic wastes invite Qataris to reflect on their plastic consumption as pollution from disposable products surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gulf
Ancient trade facility restored in Egypt Al-Jeddawi archaeological agency in the Egyptian city of Esna was revived after 300 years of neglect, following two years of restoration works in cooperation with USAID. Egypt
Artistic, musical events bring some joy to grief-stricken Gaza Touristic establishments in the Gaza Strip are slowly regaining life with more local singers holding music events amid the ongoing Israeli siege and the difficult economic conditions. Palestine
As Palestinian residents of Silwan face evictions, large public artwork protests Over 150 murals in the Batan al-Hawa neighborhood of East Jerusalem form part of a political art project organized by Jews and Palestinians. Palestine
