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
Lost treasures brewed fresh at Turkey's first coffee museum An enchanting array of the classic Turkish and regional beverage is there for the tasting in a unique coffee museum that features antique implements and forgotten recipes of Anatolia. Turkey
Calls to prayer rile some residents of mixed Israeli town Some residents of Lod complain that the ubiquitous Muslim calls to prayer are a nuisance, though others say the multicultural city will never silence them. Israel
Turkish unions threaten general strike over severance pay cuts Turkish unions are denouncing proposed severance pay cuts that would impact 3.5 million workers, threatening a mass strike if the government does not change course. Turkey
Renaissance painting of Ottoman sultan divides Turkish government, opposition Mehmed the Conqueror is a popular figure among Turks, but the same cannot be said of his 15th century painting. Turkey
Syrian refugees hopeful as Egypt eases coronavirus restrictions Syrian refugees in Egypt have arguably suffered the most from the restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but with the recent lifting some of those measures, they may get a chance at economic recovery. Egypt
Individual initiatives breathe life back into Gaza’s old houses Some businessmen and heritage institutions have taken it upon themselves to restore the ancient homes of the Gaza Strip, some dating back hundreds of years, amid limited government funding and external support to preserve Gaza’s heritage. Palestine
Activists press for tougher penalties against female genital mutilation in Egypt Amendments are being finalized to crack down on female genital mutilation which remains popular in rural Egypt. Egypt
Gender dysphoria during war: A transgender Yemeni man speaks out After fleeing Yemen to escape the civil war, Yahyia al-Zandani, a 23-year-old Yemeni transgender male, has faced challenges due to prejudices from family and society. Yemen
Turkish court releases three journalists on trial for revealing state secrets Journalists stood trial Wednesday for reporting on the funeral of a Turkish intelligence officer killed in Libya in a court case condemned by press freedom advocates. Turkey
Battle rages over Israel's plan for industrial zone in unique West Bank landscape Environmental and anti-occupation activists are campaigning against plans to establish an industrial zone near the settlement town Beitar illit, a project they say threatens traditional agriculture and a world heritage site. Palestine
US soldier helped neo-Nazis plan 'mass casualty' attack on own unit in Turkey, feds say Prosecutors say Ethan Phelan Melzer fed sensitive information about his unit to members of an occult white supremacist organization whose founder once pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda. Turkey
Afro-Turks join global outcry over George Floyd killing The little-known community that largely traces its roots to the Ottoman slave trade is speaking out about police brutality in America, saying their own example of coexistence is an example for the West. Turkey
