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
Death on the Nile takes a digital turn Two online platforms help families organize funerals in Egypt. Egypt
Gaza awaits the return of essential social welfare programs The Ministry of Social Development is expected to resume services in Gaza soon, following its departure from the Strip last year due to conflict with Hamas. Palestine
Ancient, modern cultures still mingle in central Erbil's Ottoman masterpieces Erbil's citadel and grand central market are living examples of the city's cultural heritage, which is both distinctly Ottoman and shaped by its local setting. Iraq
Iran controversial director's new political drama lambasted by moderates The new film of Ebrahim Hatamikia criticizing Reformist-backed President Hassan Rouhani was warmly welcomed by radicals, but interpreted by others as an unexpected shift in the controversial director’s loyalties. Iran
Dar al-Ifta joins in Egypt-Turkey culture war Amid heightened tensions between Cairo and Ankara, culture is emerging as the new battlefront as each party offers its own version of the Ottoman era. Saudi Arabia
Iraq celebrates Valentine's Day with red balloons, slogans Baghdad turned red on Valentine's Day with celebrations of love, defying Muqtada al-Sadr’s call to separate men and women in the rallies. Iraq
Israeli swimmer's discovery of Egyptian artifact met with suspicion in Cairo An Israeli swimmer discovered a 3,400-year-old stone engraved with hieroglyphs last year, but some Egyptian experts have a hard time believing the story. Egypt
Will Jewish left-wing voters support the Joint List in March? Meretz's alliance with Labor-Gesher has put ardent leftists in an ideological bind, leading some to conclude that the overwhelmingly Arab Joint List might attract some of their votes. Palestine
Palestine's 'Red Prince' star of new TV drama A new TV series in Palestine offers insight into the controversial figure of Abu Hassan Salameh, Yasser Arafat's right-hand man and a possible back channel with the Americans. Palestine
Israel’s Gantz dismisses the Joint List, shooting self in foot, again Blue and White head Benny Gantz has fallen into a trap set by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by publicly rejecting the Arab Joint List. Palestine
Palestinian architect turns conservation of heritage into resistance Nadia Habash, named by Middle East Architect magazine as one of 50 influential architects in the region, says preserving heritage is a national statement. Palestine
Turkish activists brace for ruling in landmark protest trial Defendants charged with attempting to topple the Turkish government during mass 2013 protests return to court next week and verdict is expected soon after the prosecutor asked for life sentences for three of the accused. Turkey
