Culture and Lifestyle

A new book donation and distribution in Darfur aims to consolidate peace and contribute to post-conflict recovery in Sudan. Estella Gaetano, novelist and storyteller from South Sudan launched the initiative called "Make a difference with a book."

Poetry about love was an important cultural element in ancient Egypt. There are many poetry examples that have received the attention of international poets such as Walt Whitman, Ezra Pound and others who transferred ancient Egyptian love poems to modern European languages. Meanwhile, the Egyptian ministries of education and culture focused more on other eras such as the Mamluk or Fatimid period. 

With Saudi Arabia encouraging various forms of cultural expressions, a new Indie record label is developing a home ground for local artists. Despite a global struggle for record labels, The Jeddah based Saudi label, Wall of Sound, is benefiting from a momentous cultural shift in the Kingdom. 

The incident took place during a fight for reaching the finals in an under-23 championship between contestants from Dagestan and North Ossetia in the town of Kaspysk.

In Turkey, local bookstores known as "sahaf" offer a variety of world and Turkish literature. They are becoming a frequently visited tourist attraction for both the locals and the foreigners who indulge in feelings of nostalgia and learn about other cultures.

Saudi graffiti artists are transforming blank walls into creative street art across the country. The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched initiatives and programs to support graffiti work. The Ministry allocated specific locations where "street artists" can express themselves.

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior will train the first patch of female fighters. The ladies will then be incorporated into the country's Civil Defence as fully-fledged firefighters. The Ministry is working to increase the percentage of its female workforce which currently stands at 12.5 

The UAE’s Minister of Culture and Youth, has conducted a study on the use of the Arabic language online. The study recommended the use of an observatory to track the use and development of the Arabic language last week. The study examines the role that publishing companies, technology and academia play in sustaining and enriching the Arabic language.