Culture

Jordanian culture combines elements of the past and the future, the Islamic heritage and modern culture; it embraces Eastern and accepts Western cultures. It is …

In the 20th century the growing urban middle class became increasingly affluent, as Iraq's oil wealth grew dramatically. From the early decades until the end of …

Yemen is culturally rich. Its impressive architecture, with its unique houses, has been integrated seamlessly into the spectacular landscape.

In view of the fact that the Jewish population living in Israel originates from all over the world, Israel's culture is multifaceted and diverse. In addition, …

As part of the Arabian Peninsula and the broader Persian Gulf region, Qatar's culture is predominantly Arab-Islamic. Qatar's music, cuisine and fashion style …

Article 27.3 of the Palestinian Basic Law clearly states that 'Censorship on media shall be prohibited. No warning, suspension, confiscation, cancellation, or …

Above the entrance to many a Christian home a stone is set showing the image of St George (called al-Khidr by Muslims) impaling a dragon with his lance, seated …

The most important Islamic feast is the Greater Festival (al-Id al-Kabir), also known as the Festival of Sacrifice (Id al-Adha). This falls on the tenth day of …

Palestinian Muslims are Sunni Muslims, adherents to the main branch within Islam. All Muslims are obliged to fulfil five acts, the so-called Five Pillars of …

During recent decades, Palestine has also witnessed several movements which strive for the re-Islamization of society and state. An important role was reserved …

The 50,000 to 76,000 Christians in Palestine are distributed over fifteen different church communities, of which the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Greek …

For Christians, too, life is strongly determined by the annual cycle of feast days. However, the various church communities do not celebrate the festivals on …

Palestine has formed part of the Bilad al-Sham region – Greater Syria and the Levant – since ancient times and is still tied culturally to this region. The …

Modernization in Oman is meant to proceed in harmony with the preservation of national traditions, moral values and beliefs inspired by Islam. This principle, …

The status of press freedom in Israel is ambivalent. On one hand, the independent press in Israel enjoys a high degree of freedom to cover whatever it sees fit.

Syria has a rich cultural life. Damascus and Aleppo been cultural centres for centuries, and today, the arts are still very much alive in these cities. Museums …

Based on the Alexandria Protocol of 1944, the League of Arab States – commonly referred to as the Arab League – was founded in Cairo on 22 March 1945. In …

In present day Lebanese literature, but also in Lebanese music, film or fine arts, the Civil War (1975-1990) and its aftermath are recurrent themes. Many …