Matthew Brunwasser
Dengbej: Kurdish Storytellers Revive Their Tradition In Turkey
In Turkey, Kurdish culture is having something of a Renaissance. Public expressions of Kurdish culture are now legal. Now a new cultural center has opened for traditional Kurdish story-tellers to practice their ancient art.
A New Beginning for the Kurdish Language in Turkey?
The Turkish government is loosening restrictions on teaching Kurdish in public schools. The question is whether it’s a political ploy, or a real attempt at making peace with Turkey’s Kurds.
Why Vultures are Important for Bulgaria
Vultures are associated with death but they’re a welcome presence in the Madzharovo region of Bulgaria. The big birds eat carcasses that spread disease, and they bring in tourist dollars as well.
Why Crisis-Weary Greeks Seek Respite in Turkey
With a booming economy and cosmopolitan energy, Istanbul, Turkey is becoming an increasingly attractive location for young, educated Greeks.
Bulgarian Church Officials Select New Leader
Bulgarian Church officials picked a new leader over the weekend. It should have been a solemn occasion. But the church is embroiled in scandal, even as the government is on the verge of collapse.
Russia’s New Required Religion Class for 4th Graders
This year Russia required fourth graders across the country to take a religion class. There are six choices: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, secular ethics or world religions.
In the Studio with Al RTV, Russia’s First Islamic TV Channel
The first Russian-language Islamic channel seeks to foster dialogue among Russia’s many Islamic ethnic groups and encourage “moderate” Islam.
Extremism Law Curbs Religious Freedom in Russia
Russia’s Center for Combating Extremism has come under criticism for focusing mainly on political opponents of the Kremlin.
In Turkey, President Barack Obama in 55 Layers of Pastry
Baked at the height of international euphoria about the Obama presidency, the “Baracklava” spends more time on its shelf at the back of the shop these days. It usually only comes out for American tourists.
Russian Orthodox Church Stakes Out Territory on Social Issues
Church officials says the growth of piety is natural following the collapse of Communism 20 years ago, but Russians, clergy and people alike, are still figuring out what role the church should play.
Slideshow: Russia Remains Divided on The Pussy Riot Case
The performance, and subsequent jail sentence, of the feminist art collective members has opened a deep and divisive debate on relations between church and state in Russia.
Russia Boots USAID in a Big Blow to Obama’s ‘Reset’ Policy
President Obama’s “reset” policy with Russia took a blow this week as the USAID was told to pack its bags and leave the country by October 1, 2012.
In Istanbul, an Exhibition on Islam in China Accentuates the Positive
Chinese government seeks to soothe Turks’ concerns about the ill treatment of China’s 23 million Muslims, including Turkic Uygurs.
In Tough Economic Times, Calls for Greek Church to Pay More
Pressure is growing on Greeks to tighten their belts with calls for the church to pay more.
Greece Turns Back on Religious Minorities
Greeks are fond of reminding visitors that their country is the birthplace of democracy, but some of its religious minorities say that the country is not very friendly or tolerant.
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