Middle East

No matter which country you are travelling to, from or though, airlines should keep passengers informed and provide food and accommodation (if the delay necessitates an overnight stay).<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re coming from or going to an EU destination, passenger rights mean that if your flight is delayed for two hours or more at departure, the airline must offer you care including meals, refreshments and, if necessary, accommodation.<\/p>\n<p>If the delay means that you arrive at your final destination more than three hours late, you may also be entitled to financial compensation. The amount is based on how far you are flying.<\/p>\n<p>If your flight arrives in the EU from Dubai and is operated by an EU airline, or if it departs from the EU to Dubai and is operated by any airline, EU air passenger rights apply.<\/p>\n<p>However, if your flight is not EU-regulated, you won&#039;t be covered by the UK\/EU flight delay compensation scheme.<\/p>\n<p>However, most airlines have a contractual obligation to offer passengers a choice between a later flight, alternative transport or a refund under the Montreal Convention.<\/p>\n<p>Check if the Montreal Convention covers your airline, as you might be able to claim for any losses caused by a delay.<\/p>\n<p>Whether or not you are covered by it, it\u2019s worth scanning the Terms and Conditions of your travel insurance policy as it may also offer limited coverage for delays.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//93//24//808x539_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg/" alt=\"Happier times: Emirati men stand in front of an Emirates&apos; Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai in November 2023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/384x256_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/640x427_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/750x500_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/828x552_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1080x720_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1200x800_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1920x1281_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Happier times: Emirati men stand in front of an Emirates&apos; Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai in November 2023<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Jon Gambrell\/The AP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>What happens if an airline can\u2019t fly you home the same day?<\/h2><p>When a flight delay necessitates an overnight stay, the airline must arrange and cover the accommodation cost for passengers, as well as transportation to and from that accommodation.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements in the event of a flight cancellation or long delay, the airline should refund reasonable costs.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s crucial that you retain copies of all receipts as well as booking the cheapest alternative ticket and hotel available so that the airline can facilitate your claim.<\/p>\n<h2>What happens if your flight is delayed for two or more hours - but not overnight?<\/h2><p>You are entitled to assistance such as food vouchers if your <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//03//28//ranked-the-worlds-most-stressful-airports-to-travel-through-this-christmas/">flight is delayed by more than two hours.<\/p>\n<p>If your flight arrives more than three hours late, you&#039;re also entitled to compensation if the airline is at fault due to events such as technical difficulties or overbooking.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6675\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//93//24//808x539_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg/" alt=\"Flight delays can be stressful - here&apos;s how to make them more tolerable\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/384x256_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/640x427_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/750x501_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/828x553_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1080x721_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1200x801_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/1920x1282_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Flight delays can be stressful - here&apos;s how to make them more tolerable<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">CHUTTERSNAP via Unsplash<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Passengers can also get a full refund if they are delayed by more than five hours and no longer want to travel.<\/p>\n<p>You&#039;re unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airline&#039;s control, for example, bad weather or a security risk.<\/p>\n<p>However, if the weather is deemed to be \u2018extreme\u2019 - as was the case in Dubai - the situation changes and you are able to claim compensation.<\/p>\n<p>In the event of a flight delay which airlines accept responsibility for, you will be provided with means of communication, such as access to phone calls or emails, to inform passengers about the delay and their rights.<\/p>\n<p>Passengers can also choose between rebooking on an alternative flight or receiving a refund in situations where there are long delays.<\/p>\n<p>For any other payments made by travellers while delayed, the Civil Aviation Authority advises people to keep receipts and only spend what is necessary.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8288880,8127460\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//03//08//unmanned-flight-meet-the-women-smashing-ceilings-in-the-aviation-industry/">Unmanned flight: Meet the women smashing ceilings in the aviation industry<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//03//28//ranked-the-worlds-most-stressful-airports-to-travel-through-this-christmas/">Ranked: The world\u2019s most stressful airports to travel through this Easter<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Here\u2019s how to claim compensation the correct way<\/h2><p>In case of delay or cancellation of a flight, you should claim compensation directly from the airline rather than using an online flight compensation service.<\/p>\n<p>Third parties are entitled to take a percentage of your claim amount in exchange for their services - meaning you&#039;ll get less money.<\/p>\n<p>Search your airline&#039;s website or call their customer services department to get more information on what compensation you&#039;re entitled to.<\/p>\n<p>While you can claim cash compensation in some circumstances, this doesn&#039;t apply when cancellations or delays are attributed to &#039;extraordinary circumstances&#039; - things that are beyond the airline&#039;s control, like the extreme weather seen in Dubai.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713778058,"updatedAt":1714216933,"publishedAt":1713784889,"firstPublishedAt":1713784893,"lastPublishedAt":1714216933,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Christopher Pike\/The AP","altText":"A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a0d319e1-43c7-50b7-bf87-67a4c9e342df-8389324.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"CHUTTERSNAP via Unsplash","altText":"Flight delays can be stressful - here's how to make them more tolerable","callToActionText":null,"width":1200,"caption":"Flight delays can be stressful - here's how to make them more tolerable","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2822a452-50ae-52f6-aede-fc14ae09a69e-8389324.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":801},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jon Gambrell\/The AP","altText":"Happier times: Emirati men stand in front of an Emirates' Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai in November 2023","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Happier times: Emirati men stand in front of an Emirates' Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai in November 2023","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/93\/24\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a0030b6f-3466-5483-a00b-a67968f6733d-8389324.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"odonoghue","twitter":null,"title":"Saskia O'Donoghue"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"united-arab-emirates","titleRaw":"United Arab Emirates","id":290,"title":"United Arab Emirates","slug":"united-arab-emirates"},{"urlSafeValue":"dubai-united-arab-emirates","titleRaw":"Dubai United Arab Emirates","id":417,"title":"Dubai United Arab Emirates","slug":"dubai-united-arab-emirates"},{"urlSafeValue":"flood","titleRaw":"Floods","id":5052,"title":"Floods","slug":"flood"},{"urlSafeValue":"flight","titleRaw":"flight","id":13028,"title":"flight","slug":"flight"},{"urlSafeValue":"delay","titleRaw":"delay","id":21686,"title":"delay","slug":"delay"},{"urlSafeValue":"travel-update","titleRaw":"travel update","id":25450,"title":"travel update","slug":"travel-update"}],"widgets":[{"count":2,"slug":"image"},{"count":2,"slug":"twitter"},{"count":1,"slug":"related"}],"related":[{"id":2524096},{"id":2523280},{"id":2524116}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"travel"}],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news\/travel-news"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel","id":7,"title":"Travel","slug":"travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","id":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":21,"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":290,"urlSafeValue":"united-arab-emirates","title":"United Arab Emirates","url":"\/news\/asia\/united-arab-emirates"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_travel','gs_travel_type','gs_busfin','gs_travel_air','gs_travel_type_air','gs_busfin_indus','gs_science','gs_travel_locations','gt_mixed','neg_facebook','client_easports_sporting_gaming','neg_audi_list1','neg_tiktok_q1_2024_eng','neg_mobkoi_castrol'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/travel\/2024\/04\/22\/dubai-airport-disruption-heres-what-to-do-if-youve-been-affected","lastModified":1714216933},{"id":2525268,"cid":8385284,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240419_TCSU_55342287","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Turkey Article Rail Routes","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Take the train: Why using T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s railways is the best way to see the country\u2019s incredible scenery","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"These are T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s five most beautiful train journeys","titleListing2":"Take the train: Why using T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s railways is the best way to see the country\u2019s incredible scenery","leadin":"Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see everything T\u00fcrkiye has to offer, from historical monuments to stunning landscapes.","summary":"Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see everything T\u00fcrkiye has to offer, from historical monuments to stunning landscapes.","keySentence":"","url":"take-the-train-why-using-turkiyes-railways-is-the-best-way-to-see-the-countrys-incredible-","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2024\/04\/22\/take-the-train-why-using-turkiyes-railways-is-the-best-way-to-see-the-countrys-incredible-","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"T\u00fcrkiye is a vast country \u2013 it covers more than 783 km\u00b2 of land \u2013 and from its stunning Aegean Sea coastline in the west to the beautiful Black Sea shores in the north, its landscapes are replete with spectacular topography, remote rural towns and bustling cities. Boasting 40 national parks, 21 UNESCO Heritage Sites and historic ruins that date back millennia, there\u2019s plenty to explore in T\u00fcrkiye.\n\nOne of the best ways to take it all in is by train. The country has a comprehensive rail system, able to carry travellers from T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s remotest regions to its urban hubs and beyond. Plus, some of these journeys are as scenic as they come. Get started on your journey of discovery with these five striking routes.\n\n1 Touristic Dogu Express train\u00a0\n\nThe Dogu Express is one of the most famous train routes in T\u00fcrkiye, travelling between the country\u2019s capital, Ankara, and Kars, an ancient city in Northeast Anatolia. Don\u2019t confuse the Touristic Dogu Express with the regular Dogu Express. The latter stops at 52 stations and features only regular seats while the Touristic Dogu Express was created specifically for visitors and runs three times a week. It stops at 25 destinations, offers 2-3 hour excursions at points along the way (Ilic and Erzurum eastbound and Erzincan, Divrigi, and Sivas westbound) and offers sleeper cabins.\n\nTotal journey time is roughly 32 hours compared to 26 on the regular Dogu Express. Whichever you choose, the route is equally rewarding. Across the 1,310-kilometre stretch of track, travellers can enjoy some of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most beautiful landscapes. Excursions allow travellers to enjoy the likes of the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ani, sleigh tours on the frozen Lake Cildir (in the winter) and taste Ca\u011f Kebabs at Erzurum.\n\n2 Van Lake Express\n\nThis twice-weekly train has become a popular option for rail fans in T\u00fcrkiye. Travelling between Ankara and Tatvan in roughly 25 hours, the supremely scenic route of the Van Lake Express traverses Eastern T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s beautiful landscapes. These include the lakes of Keban Baraji, the banks of the Euphrates River and the vast Lake Van, on which the shores of Tatvan sit. Stops along the way offer multiple opportunities to see some of the country\u2019s best bits.\n\nKayseri allows access to the world-famous Cappadocia, with its \u201cfairy chimneys\u201d, hot air balloon festival and underground cities. The ancient towns of Malatya and Elaz\u0131\u011f are also stops en route, while Mount Erciyes in Kayseri and the final destination of Tatvan are famed for their ski seasons. The train itself is comprehensive and offers a range of seating, from regular seats to couchettes and bed cabins, as well as a dining cart.\n\n3 Karaelmas Tourism Express\n\nSet to re-open in April 2024, this short, but very sweet, roughly three-hour train journey in the northwest of T\u00fcrkiye runs from the province of Karab\u00fck up to the Black Sea coast. As starting locations go, Karab\u00fck is a good one. Situated on a key east-west trading route, the province encompasses the UNESCO-listed city of Safranbolu, famous for its influential Ottoman architecture.\n\nOnce on the train, travellers will be able to bask in a particularly lush part of the country, riding past such delights as the Yenice Forest and \u015eeker Canyon. Keen historians should hop off at Filyos for a tour of the ancient city, which dates back to the 7th century BCE and is believed to be the birthplace of Philetaerus, who founded the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon.\n\n4 Taurus Express\n\nThis rail journey is one for the history books. The Taurus Express began in 1930 as a high-end, overnight sleeper train running betweeniand Baghdad \u2013 it even features in the opening chapter of Agatha Christie\u2019s Murder on the Orient Express. Today, it operates a much shorter route, running only between Adana and Konya, and without sleeping carriages.\n\nIt\u2019s still a distinctly beautiful journey and well worth a ride. The roughly six-hour passage cuts right along the edge of the Anatolian Plateau, traversing the imposing Taurus Mountains via tunnels carved into the limestone rock, navigating the beautiful topography of the steppe and gliding over dramatic bridges and past auburn forests. Its starting point, Konya, is a city which dates back to 3,000 BCE, which was the final home of Rumi (of the Whirling Dervishes).\n\n5 Pamukkale Ekspresi Train\n\nCrossing north to south down the east of T\u00fcrkiye, this picturesque route takes passengers through the Aegean\u2019s lush and fertile landscapes between Eskisehir and Denizli. The eight-hour journey (slightly longer if you link up from the high-speed train from \u0130stanbul to Eski\u015fehir) traverses some of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s more remote landscapes, stopping at the towns of K\u00fctahya (take a look around the K\u00fctahya Museum to see examples of the region\u2019s once-famed earthen) and Afyonkarahisar.\n\nOnce at Denizli, it\u2019s worth the (relatively) short transfer to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is 17.5 km away. These ancient ruins are famous for their hot springs, which visitors can still use today (look out for Cleopatra\u2019s Pool; one of the most popular). The region was so attractive that many ancient Romans used to retire there to die. A large necropolis filled with tombs, along with remnants of the millennia-year-old city, can be toured today. \u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>T\u00fcrkiye is a vast country \u2013 it covers more than 783 km\u00b2 of land \u2013 and from its stunning Aegean Sea coastline in the west to the beautiful Black Sea shores in the north, its landscapes are replete with spectacular topography, remote rural towns and bustling cities. Boasting 40 national parks, 21 UNESCO Heritage Sites and historic ruins that date back millennia, there\u2019s plenty to explore in T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n<p>One of the best ways to take it all in is by train. The country has a comprehensive rail system, able to carry travellers from T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s remotest regions to its urban hubs and beyond. Plus, some of these journeys are as scenic as they come. Get started on your journey of discovery with these five striking routes.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>1 Touristic Dogu Express train<\/strong><\/h2><p>The Dogu Express is one of the most famous train routes in T\u00fcrkiye, travelling between the country\u2019s capital, Ankara, and Kars, an ancient city in Northeast Anatolia. Don\u2019t confuse the Touristic Dogu Express with the regular Dogu Express. The latter stops at 52 stations and features only regular seats while the Touristic Dogu Express was created specifically for visitors and runs three times a week. It stops at 25 destinations, offers 2-3 hour excursions at points along the way (Ilic and Erzurum eastbound and Erzincan, Divrigi, and Sivas westbound) and offers sleeper cabins.<\/p>\n<p>Total journey time is roughly 32 hours compared to 26 on the regular Dogu Express. Whichever you choose, the route is equally rewarding. Across the 1,310-kilometre stretch of track, travellers can enjoy some of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s most beautiful landscapes. Excursions allow travellers to enjoy the likes of the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ani, sleigh tours on the frozen Lake Cildir (in the winter) and taste Ca\u011f Kebabs at Erzurum.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>2 Van Lake Express<\/strong><\/h2><p>This twice-weekly train has become a popular option for rail fans in T\u00fcrkiye. Travelling between Ankara and Tatvan in roughly 25 hours, the supremely scenic route of the Van Lake Express traverses Eastern T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s beautiful landscapes. These include the lakes of Keban Baraji, the banks of the Euphrates River and the vast Lake Van, on which the shores of Tatvan sit. Stops along the way offer multiple opportunities to see some of the country\u2019s best bits.<\/p>\n<p>Kayseri allows access to the world-famous Cappadocia, with its \u201cfairy chimneys\u201d, hot air balloon festival and underground cities. The ancient towns of Malatya and Elaz\u0131\u011f are also stops en route, while Mount Erciyes in Kayseri and the final destination of Tatvan are famed for their ski seasons. The train itself is comprehensive and offers a range of seating, from regular seats to couchettes and bed cabins, as well as a dining cart.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>3 Karaelmas Tourism Express<\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//52//86//808x539_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg/" alt=\"Views across the iconic red roofs of Safranbolu, T\u00fcrkiye.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/384x256_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/640x427_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/750x500_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/828x552_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1080x720_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1200x800_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1920x1280_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Views across the iconic red roofs of Safranbolu, T\u00fcrkiye.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">T\u00fcrkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Set to re-open in April 2024, this short, but very sweet, roughly three-hour train journey in the northwest of T\u00fcrkiye runs from the province of Karab\u00fck up to the Black Sea coast. As starting locations go, Karab\u00fck is a good one. Situated on a key east-west trading route, the province encompasses the UNESCO-listed city of Safranbolu, famous for its influential Ottoman architecture.<\/p>\n<p>Once on the train, travellers will be able to bask in a particularly lush part of the country, riding past such delights as the Yenice Forest and \u015eeker Canyon. Keen historians should hop off at Filyos for a tour of the ancient city, which dates back to the 7th century BCE and is believed to be the birthplace of Philetaerus, who founded the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>4 Taurus Express<\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//52//86//808x539_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg/" alt=\"Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony in \u0130stanbul, T\u00fcrkiye.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/384x256_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/640x427_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/750x500_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/828x552_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1080x720_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1200x800_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1920x1280_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order perform during a Sheb-i Arus ceremony in \u0130stanbul, T\u00fcrkiye.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Emrah Gurel\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This rail journey is one for the history books. The Taurus Express began in 1930 as a high-end, overnight sleeper train running betweeniand Baghdad \u2013 it even features in the opening chapter of Agatha Christie\u2019s <em>Murder on the Orient Express<\/em>. Today, it operates a much shorter route, running only between Adana and Konya, and without sleeping carriages.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s still a distinctly beautiful journey and well worth a ride. The roughly six-hour passage cuts right along the edge of the Anatolian Plateau, traversing the imposing Taurus Mountains via tunnels carved into the limestone rock, navigating the beautiful topography of the steppe and gliding over dramatic bridges and past auburn forests. Its starting point, Konya, is a city which dates back to 3,000 BCE, which was the final home of Rumi (of the Whirling Dervishes).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>5 Pamukkale Ekspresi Train<\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6666666666666666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//52//86//808x539_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg/" alt=\"Ancient City of Hierapolis, Denizli.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/384x256_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/640x427_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/750x500_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/828x552_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1080x720_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1200x800_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/1920x1280_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Ancient City of Hierapolis, Denizli.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">T\u00fcrkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Crossing north to south down the east of T\u00fcrkiye, this picturesque route takes passengers through the Aegean\u2019s lush and fertile landscapes between Eskisehir and Denizli. The eight-hour journey (slightly longer if you link up from the high-speed train from \u0130stanbul to Eski\u015fehir) traverses some of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s more remote landscapes, stopping at the towns of K\u00fctahya (take a look around the K\u00fctahya Museum to see examples of the region\u2019s once-famed earthen) and Afyonkarahisar.<\/p>\n<p>Once at Denizli, it\u2019s worth the (relatively) short transfer to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is 17.5 km away. These ancient ruins are famous for their hot springs, which visitors can still use today (look out for Cleopatra\u2019s Pool; one of the most popular). The region was so attractive that many ancient Romans used to retire there to die. A large necropolis filled with tombs, along with remnants of the millennia-year-old city, can be toured today. \u00a0<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713538538,"updatedAt":1713780115,"publishedAt":1713780058,"firstPublishedAt":1713540795,"lastPublishedAt":1713780115,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_27cdca3a-6748-5127-aa41-0fb2ff325456-8385286.jpg","altText":"The Akdamar church on Akdamar Island. Lake Van, T\u00fcrkiye.","caption":"The Akdamar church on Akdamar Island. Lake Van, T\u00fcrkiye.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Burhan Ozbilici\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3624,"height":2484},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_79e7fe35-7b93-523d-a6e1-154ceab1cea7-8385286.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":5184,"height":3456},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_7e62207c-7f6f-5940-827a-fd4651f6a9fd-8385286.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":5000,"height":3333},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/52\/86\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_f95c0e96-8492-5bd9-aa56-c1da6795f559-8385286.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":6132,"height":4088}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":12639,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel","titleRaw":"Travel"},{"id":11021,"slug":"rail-transport","urlSafeValue":"rail-transport","title":"Rail transport","titleRaw":"Rail transport"},{"id":284,"slug":"turkey","urlSafeValue":"turkey","title":"Turkiye (Turkey)","titleRaw":"Turkiye (Turkey)"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.turkiyearticles"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1677690493,"endDate":2114356098,"type":"sponsored","slug":"goturkiye-2023","title":"GoT\u00fcrkiye 2023","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"GoT\u00fcrkiye","sponsorName":"goturkiye-2023","sponsorUrl":"https:\/\/goturkiye.com","sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/630\/180x82_cmsv2_a5ac92ed-9975-55ca-98f2-c30f1556e7df-630.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":284,"urlSafeValue":"turkey","title":"Turkey","url":"\/news\/europe\/turkey"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gt_positive','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gt_positive_like','gs_travel','gs_travel_misc','gs_busfin_indus_logistics','gs_busfin','gs_busfin_indus','gt_positive_love'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/travel\/2024\/04\/22\/take-the-train-why-using-turkiyes-railways-is-the-best-way-to-see-the-countrys-incredible-","lastModified":1713780115},{"id":2526496,"cid":8388300,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240422_NWSU_55353613","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"KHAN YOUNIS MASS GRAVE","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Palestinian defence recover 50 bodies from mass grave in Khan Younis","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Palestinian defence recover 50 bodies from mass grave in Khan Younis","titleListing2":"Palestinian civil defence crews recover 50 bodies from mass grave in Khan Younis","leadin":"Meanwhile the Israeli military says the country\u2019s forces have been deployed along the length of Israel\u2019s borders in a security boost ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover.","summary":"Meanwhile the Israeli military says the country\u2019s forces have been deployed along the length of Israel\u2019s borders in a security boost ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover.","keySentence":"","url":"palestinian-defence-recover-50-bodies-from-mass-grave-in-khan-younis","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/22\/palestinian-defence-recover-50-bodies-from-mass-grave-in-khan-younis","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Emergency services in Gaza say they have recovered the bodies of at least 50 Palestinians from a mass grave near the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern city of Khan Younis. \n\nCivil defence teams are reportedly still carrying out a search and recovery operation with some reports suggesting there may be 150 bodies buried in the area. \n\nThe Israeli Defense Forces withdrew from Khan Younis two weeks ago after months of fierce fighting to root out Hamas which left much of the city in ruins. \n\nMeanwhile, at least 22 people \u2013 including 18 children \u2013 were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes on the southern city of Rafah. \n\nIsrael has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million has sought refuge from fighting elsewhere. \n\nFor weeks, Israel has defied international warnings and threatened to launch a full-scale ground offensive into Rafah where it says Hamas is holding Israeli hostages and where the group\u2019s leadership and at least four battalions are based. \n\nIsrael\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to \u201cland additional and painful blows\u201d on Hamas in order to increase pressure on the group to free the remaining Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. \n\n\"We will not relax for a moment in the scared mission to bring them [the hostages] back home,\u201d he said in a video address. \n\n\u201cUnfortunately, all the proposals for returning our hostages were rejected by Hamas so far. Instead of withdrawing from its extreme positions, Hamas is planning divisions among us.\u201d \n\nAnd a spokesperson for the Israeli military said on Sunday that the country\u2019s forces had been deployed along the entire length of Israel\u2019s borders ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which is due to start on Monday evening. \n\n\u201cEven during the holiday, one must continue to be vigilant and adhere to the directives of the Home Front Command. Before our eyes is first and foremost the security of the citizens of the country,\" said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Emergency services in Gaza say they have recovered the bodies of at least 50 Palestinians from a mass grave near the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern city of Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<p>Civil defence teams are reportedly still carrying out a search and recovery operation with some reports suggesting there may be 150 bodies buried in the area.<\/p>\n<p>The Israeli Defense Forces withdrew from Khan Younis two weeks ago after months of fierce fighting to root out Hamas which left much of the city in ruins.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, at least 22 people \u2013 including 18 children \u2013 were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes on the southern city of Rafah.<\/p>\n<p>Israel has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza&#039;s population of 2.3 million has sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>For weeks, Israel has defied international warnings and threatened to launch a full-scale ground offensive into Rafah where it says Hamas is holding Israeli hostages and where the group\u2019s leadership and at least four battalions are based.<\/p>\n<p>Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to \u201cland additional and painful blows\u201d on Hamas in order to increase pressure on the group to free the remaining Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//83//00//808x454_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg/" alt=\"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during video address for Passover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/384x216_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/640x360_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/750x422_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/828x466_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/1080x608_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/1200x675_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/1920x1080_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during video address for Passover<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Screenshot from EBU video 2024_10227177<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"We will not relax for a moment in the scared mission to bring them [the hostages] back home,\u201d he said in a video address.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, all the proposals for returning our hostages were rejected by Hamas so far. Instead of withdrawing from its extreme positions, Hamas is planning divisions among us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And a spokesperson for the Israeli military said on Sunday that the country\u2019s forces had been deployed along the entire length of Israel\u2019s borders ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which is due to start on Monday evening.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEven during the holiday, one must continue to be vigilant and adhere to the directives of the Home Front Command. Before our eyes is first and foremost the security of the citizens of the country,\" said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713732851,"updatedAt":1713757324,"publishedAt":1713757001,"firstPublishedAt":1713757009,"lastPublishedAt":1713757009,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Fatima Shbair\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.","altText":"Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, April 8, 2024.","callToActionText":null,"width":8197,"caption":"Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, April 8, 2024.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8f1657f0-a65a-585c-ac0e-54a62fe9c23f-8388300.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":5465},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Screenshot from EBU video 2024_10227177 ","altText":"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during video address for Passover","callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during video address for Passover","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/83\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2690f350-f651-5dd0-9b34-ef838a96b747-8388300.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"gaza-attack","titleRaw":"Gaza attack","id":10501,"title":"Gaza attack","slug":"gaza-attack"},{"urlSafeValue":"khan-yunis","titleRaw":"Khan Yunis","id":4174,"title":"Khan Yunis","slug":"khan-yunis"},{"urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war","id":29226,"title":"Israel Hamas war","slug":"israel-hamas-war"},{"urlSafeValue":"hamas","titleRaw":"Hamas","id":8079,"title":"Hamas","slug":"hamas"},{"urlSafeValue":"israel","titleRaw":"Israel","id":157,"title":"Israel","slug":"israel"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"image"}],"related":[{"id":2503722},{"id":2517454}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8x8o30"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":122840,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":15947099,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/22\/en\/240422_NWSU_55353613_55353642_122840_014315_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":122840,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":24527707,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/22\/en\/240422_NWSU_55353613_55353642_122840_014315_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP, EBU","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"urlSafeValue":"asia","id":12,"title":"Asia"},"country":{"urlSafeValue":"gaza","id":344,"title":"Gaza","url":"\/news\/asia\/gaza"},"town":{"urlSafeValue":"khan-yunis","id":4174,"title":"Khan Yunis"},"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_meta_oct23_eng','gt_negative','neg_facebook_q4','gb_terrorism_high','gb_terrorism_high_med','gb_terrorism_high_med_low','gb_terrorism_serious','neg_facebook','gb_terrorism_edu','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_politics','gt_negative_fear','neg_facebook_neg1','gv_terrorism','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','gv_death_injury','neg_saudiaramco','gs_health','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gb_terrorism_news-ent'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/04\/22\/palestinian-defence-recover-50-bodies-from-mass-grave-in-khan-younis","lastModified":1713757009},{"id":2526032,"cid":8387090,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240421_NWSU_55349947","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Israel-Iran Live","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Israeli military concludes raid on Nur al-Shams refugee camp, in the West Bank","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Israeli military concludes raid on Nur al-Shams refugee camp","titleListing2":"Israel carries out largest operation in West Bank since October 7th attacks","leadin":"Israeli forces have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank","summary":"Israeli forces have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank","keySentence":"","url":"israel-carries-out-largest-operation-in-west-bank-since-october-7th-attacks","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/21\/israel-carries-out-largest-operation-in-west-bank-since-october-7th-attacks","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Israel is carrying out its largest operation within the West Bank since the attacks on October 7th.\u00a0 \n\nIsraeli military claims it killed 10 \"terrorists\" at the Nur al-Shams refugee camp, while the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported 14 people killed, including at least one child, as well as mass arrests. \n\nThis happens as the\u00a0US House of Representatives has approved $26.4 billion in aid to Israel, as part of a wider package on foreign aid which still needs to pass the Senate. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Israel is carrying out its largest operation within the West Bank since the attacks on October 7th.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Israeli military claims it killed 10 \"terrorists\" at the Nur al-Shams refugee camp, while the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported 14 people killed, including at least one child, as well as mass arrests.<\/p>\n<p>This happens as the\u00a0US House of Representatives has approved $26.4 billion in aid to Israel, as part of a wider package on foreign aid which still needs to pass the Senate.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"arena liveblog\" data-liveblog-type=\"arena\" data-id=\"aBvIrv9\">\n <div class=\"arena-liveblog\" data-publisher=\"euronews\" data-event=\"aBvIrv9\" data-version=\"2\"><\/div>\n <script data-no-lazy-load=\"true\" defer src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////go.eu.arena.im//public//js//arenalib.js?p=euronews&e=aBvIrv9\%22><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n%22,%22hashtag%22:null,%22createdAt%22:1713680715,%22updatedAt%22:1713712328,%22publishedAt%22:1713682320,%22firstPublishedAt%22:1713682324,%22lastPublishedAt%22:1713712328,%22expiresAt%22:0,%22images%22:[{%22sourceUrl%22:null,%22sourceCredit%22:null,%22callToActionUrl%22:null,%22captionCredit%22:%22K.M. Chaudary\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.","altText":"Supporters of the religious party Jamaat-e-Islami take part in a rally against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinians, in Lahore, Pakistan","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Supporters of the religious party Jamaat-e-Islami take part in a rally against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinians, in Lahore, Pakistan","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/70\/90\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_db943aec-3e70-5c67-98ac-35ea3bc7a85f-8387090.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"harper","twitter":null,"title":"Daniel Harper"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war","id":29226,"title":"Israel Hamas war","slug":"israel-hamas-war"},{"urlSafeValue":"irans-attack-on-israel","titleRaw":"Iran's attack on Israel","id":29760,"title":"Iran's attack on Israel","slug":"irans-attack-on-israel"},{"urlSafeValue":"the-gaza-strip","titleRaw":"The Gaza Strip","id":9553,"title":"The Gaza Strip","slug":"the-gaza-strip"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"arena"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"euronews.byenglishwebteam"},{"path":"euronews"}],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":157,"urlSafeValue":"israel","title":"Israel","url":"\/news\/asia\/israel"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_meta_oct23_eng','neg_facebook_q4','neg_citi_campaign','gb_sensitive_high','gb_sensitive_high_med','gb_sensitive_high_med_low','gb_sensitive_serious','gv_death_injury','neg_intel_en','neg_bucherer','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_politics','gv_terrorism','gb_sensitive_news-ent','gs_politics_american','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gb_crime_high_med','gb_crime_high_med_low','gb_crime_news-ent'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/04\/21\/israel-carries-out-largest-operation-in-west-bank-since-october-7th-attacks","lastModified":1713712328},{"id":2525536,"cid":8385996,"versionId":9,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240420_NWSU_55345816","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Israel-Iran live updates","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Base of Iraqi military base struck, but by whom?","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Base of Iraqi military base struck, but by whom?","titleListing2":"Explosion reported at Shiite military base in Iraq's Babylon province","leadin":"One member of the anti-American Shiite militia group was killed in the attack and eight injured. It blames the US but Washington denies carrying it out.","summary":"One member of the anti-American Shiite militia group was killed in the attack and eight injured. It blames the US but Washington denies carrying it out.","keySentence":"","url":"injuries-sustained-as-explosions-reported-at-iraq-military-base","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/20\/injuries-sustained-as-explosions-reported-at-iraq-military-base","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iraqi authorities said on Saturday that they are investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, overnight. \n\nMilitia officials had initially described the explosion at the Kalsu military base north of Babylon - a former US base that was handed over to the Iraqi military in 2011 - as an airstrike, blaming it on U.S. forces. The U.S. Central Command denied in a statement that it had carried out any airstrikes in Iraq. The PMF in a statement Saturday afternoon described the incident as an \"attack\" but did not blame any specific party. \n\nIraq's Security Media Cell said the country's air defence command had not detected any drones or fighter plane in the airspace of Babylon before or during the explosion, which killed one PMF member and injured eight other people, including an Iraqi army soldier. \n\nThe PMF is a coalition of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed armed groups designated as an \u201cindependent military formation\u201d within the Iraqi armed forces. \n\nIn recent months, some of the PMF member groups launched attacks on U.S. forces based in Iraq and Syria, which they said was in retaliation for Washington\u2019s support of Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. Those attacks halted after three U.S. soldiers were killed in a strike on a base in Jordan, near the Syrian border, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes in Iraq. \n\nThe explosion at the PMF base came a day after a suspected Israeli strike in Iran. An umbrella group of Iran-backed militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said Saturday that it had launched a drone attack against the Israeli Red Sea town of Eilat in response to what it described as Israel's \"violation of Iraqi sovereignty in its treacherous targeting of the Popular Mobilisation Forces camps.\" \n\nThere were no reports in Israel of an attack on Eilat and no immediate comment from the Israeli military. \n\nFollow Euronews' live coverage below. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iraqi authorities said on Saturday that they are investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, overnight.<\/p>\n<p>Militia officials had initially described the explosion at the Kalsu military base north of Babylon - a former US base that was handed over to the Iraqi military in 2011 - as an airstrike, blaming it on U.S. forces. The U.S. Central Command denied in a statement that it had carried out any airstrikes in Iraq. The PMF in a statement Saturday afternoon described the incident as an \"attack\" but did not blame any specific party.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1781474064478966238\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Iraq&#039;s Security Media Cell said the country&#039;s air defence command had not detected any drones or fighter plane in the airspace of Babylon before or during the explosion, which killed one PMF member and injured eight other people, including an Iraqi army soldier.<\/p>\n<p>The PMF is a coalition of primarily Shiite, Iran-backed armed groups designated as an \u201cindependent military formation\u201d within the Iraqi armed forces.<\/p>\n<p>In recent months, some of the PMF member groups launched attacks on U.S. forces based in Iraq and Syria, which they said was in retaliation for Washington\u2019s support of Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. Those attacks halted after three U.S. soldiers were killed in a strike on a base in Jordan, near the Syrian border, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>The explosion at the PMF base came a day after a suspected Israeli strike in Iran. An umbrella group of Iran-backed militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said Saturday that it had launched a drone attack against the Israeli Red Sea town of Eilat in response to what it described as Israel&#039;s \"violation of Iraqi sovereignty in its treacherous targeting of the Popular Mobilisation Forces camps.\"<\/p>\n<p>There were no reports in Israel of an attack on Eilat and no immediate comment from the Israeli military.<\/p>\n<p>Follow Euronews&#039; live coverage below.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"arena liveblog\" data-liveblog-type=\"arena\" data-id=\"0Wr1oLS\">\n <div class=\"arena-liveblog\" data-publisher=\"euronews\" data-event=\"0Wr1oLS\" data-version=\"2\"><\/div>\n <script data-no-lazy-load=\"true\" defer src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////go.eu.arena.im//public//js//arenalib.js?p=euronews&e=0Wr1oLS\%22><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n%22,%22hashtag%22:null,%22createdAt%22:1713593787,%22updatedAt%22:1713683235,%22publishedAt%22:1713596954,%22firstPublishedAt%22:1713596965,%22lastPublishedAt%22:1713683235,%22expiresAt%22:0,%22images%22:[{%22sourceUrl%22:null,%22sourceCredit%22:null,%22callToActionUrl%22:null,%22captionCredit%22:%22Vahid Salemi\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","altText":"Suspected Israeli missiles have hit several targets across Iran and Iraq","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"Suspected Israeli missiles have hit several targets across Iran and Iraq","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/59\/96\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_02d248f0-bb69-5c5c-b722-6c538e4ccb1f-8385996.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":680}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"irans-attack-on-israel","titleRaw":"Iran's attack on Israel","id":29760,"title":"Iran's attack on Israel","slug":"irans-attack-on-israel"},{"urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war","id":29226,"title":"Israel Hamas war","slug":"israel-hamas-war"},{"urlSafeValue":"iran-and-israel","titleRaw":"Iran and Israel ","id":14870,"title":"Iran and Israel ","slug":"iran-and-israel"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"twitter"},{"count":1,"slug":"arena"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"euronews.byenglishwebteam"},{"path":"euronews"}],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews ","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":157,"urlSafeValue":"israel","title":"Israel","url":"\/news\/asia\/israel"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','gv_death_injury','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','neg_facebook','neg_citi_campaign','neg_bucherer','neg_facebook_neg14','neg_saudiaramco','gv_military','neg_audi_list2','neg_tiktok_q1_2024_eng','gb_death_injury_edu','gb_safe_from_high','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','gs_health'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/04\/20\/injuries-sustained-as-explosions-reported-at-iraq-military-base","lastModified":1713683235},{"id":2525474,"cid":8385824,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240420_NWSU_55344575","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GAZA WAR AID","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Activists organise 'Freedom Flotilla' laden with food aid for Gaza","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Activists organise 'Freedom Flotilla' laden with food aid for Gaza","titleListing2":"Activists organise 'Freedom Flotilla' laden with food aid for Gaza","leadin":"The so-called 'Freedom Flotilla Coalition' is expected to depart Turkey in the coming days in an attempt to reach the shores of Gaza and deliver aid.","summary":"The so-called 'Freedom Flotilla Coalition' is expected to depart Turkey in the coming days in an attempt to reach the shores of Gaza and deliver aid.","keySentence":"","url":"activists-organise-freedom-flotilla-with-aid-to-break-gaza-blockade","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/20\/activists-organise-freedom-flotilla-with-aid-to-break-gaza-blockade","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Spearheaded by the Turkish IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and made up of what is currently three ships - although activists hope the number will increase - the flotilla is expected to depart from the Turkish port of Tuzla near Istanbul in the coming days. \n\nOn Friday, activists said three vessels had been loaded with approximately 5,500 tonnes of food and other supplies and were now waiting for permission to sail from the Turkish authorities. No departure date has yet been set.\u00a0 \n\n\nOrganisers say other vessels from the region might join the flotilla en route. \n\nIsraeli media has said the flotilla's departure - already delayed several times - could be \"postponed indefinitely\".\u00a0 \n\nNorthern Gaza in particular is rapidly sinking into humanitarian disaster after months of military onslaught and choked aid supplies. \n\nA top United Nation official appealed for \u20ac2.6 billion on Tuesday to provide desperately needed aid to three million Palestinians, stressing that preventing a looming famine in war-torn Gaza requires not only food but sanitation, water and health facilities. \n\nAccording to Israeli officials, on Thursday alone 276 trucks with food and other aid entered Gaza. Many countries from the Middle East and Europe continue daily airdrops into various areas of the Strip. \n\nOn Friday, Hamas-run Gaza authorities reported that the Palestinian death toll since October 7 had surpassed 34,000. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Spearheaded by the Turkish IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation and made up of what is currently three ships - although activists hope the number will increase - the flotilla is expected to depart from the Turkish port of Tuzla near Istanbul in the coming days.<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, activists said three vessels had been loaded with approximately 5,500 tonnes of food and other supplies and were now waiting for permission to sail from the Turkish authorities. No departure date has yet been set.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>Organisers say other vessels from the region might join the flotilla en route.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1775427281458008133\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Israeli media has said the flotilla&#039;s departure - already delayed several times - could be \"postponed indefinitely\".\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Northern Gaza in particular is rapidly <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//04//17//un-calls-for-26-billion-in-funding-to-urgently-help-3-million-palestinians-in-need-of-food/">sinking into humanitarian disaster after months of military onslaught and choked aid supplies.<\/p>\n<p>A top United Nation official appealed for \u20ac2.6 billion on Tuesday to provide desperately needed aid to three million Palestinians, stressing that preventing a looming famine in war-torn Gaza requires not only food but sanitation, water and health facilities.<\/p>\n<p>According to Israeli officials, on Thursday alone 276 trucks with food and other aid entered Gaza. Many countries from the Middle East and Europe continue daily airdrops into various areas of the Strip.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1780883847837581330\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On Friday, Hamas-run Gaza authorities reported that the Palestinian death toll since October 7 had surpassed 34,000.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713559238,"updatedAt":1713598934,"publishedAt":1713594610,"firstPublishedAt":1713594613,"lastPublishedAt":1713595833,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Associated Press","altText":"A ship of Freedom Flotilla Coalition anchors at Tuzla seaport in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 19, 2024.","callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"caption":"A ship of Freedom Flotilla Coalition anchors at Tuzla seaport in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 19, 2024.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/58\/24\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_632d74fc-9814-55e2-a1a9-7abd4a3b06e2-8385824.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war","id":29226,"title":"Israel Hamas war","slug":"israel-hamas-war"},{"urlSafeValue":"humanitarian-aid","titleRaw":"Humanitarian aid","id":9229,"title":"Humanitarian aid","slug":"humanitarian-aid"},{"urlSafeValue":"humanitarian-corridor","titleRaw":"humanitarian corridor","id":26756,"title":"humanitarian corridor","slug":"humanitarian-corridor"},{"urlSafeValue":"the-gaza-strip","titleRaw":"The Gaza Strip","id":9553,"title":"The Gaza Strip","slug":"the-gaza-strip"}],"widgets":[{"count":2,"slug":"twitter"}],"related":[{"id":2521578},{"id":2525814}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"0P76E59EMpQ","dailymotionId":"x8x5moy"},"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":60000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":8021739,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/20\/en\/240420_NWSU_55344575_55344603_60000_093557_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":60000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":12087531,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/20\/en\/240420_NWSU_55344575_55344603_60000_093557_en.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"world news","online":1,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":284,"urlSafeValue":"turkey","title":"Turkey","url":"\/news\/europe\/turkey"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gs_science','gs_science_geography','gt_positive_trust','gt_positive','gs_society_charity','gs_society','gs_politics','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/2024\/04\/20\/activists-organise-freedom-flotilla-with-aid-to-break-gaza-blockade","lastModified":1713595833},{"id":2525256,"cid":8385194,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240419_NASU_55341911","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREEN_\u2018Environmental healing\u2019: Syria is planting trees in places struck by oil pollution and drought","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Turkish strikes have polluted rivers in Syria. People are starting to \u2018heal\u2019 the land with trees","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"\u2018Environmental healing\u2019: Syrians plant trees near oil-polluted rivers","titleListing2":"Turkish strikes have polluted rivers in Syria. People are starting to \u2018heal\u2019 the land with trees","leadin":"More than a decade of conflict has cost Syria at least 25 per cent of its forest coverage, while drought rages on.","summary":"More than a decade of conflict has cost Syria at least 25 per cent of its forest coverage, while drought rages on.","keySentence":"","url":"turkish-strikes-have-polluted-rivers-in-syria-people-are-starting-to-heal-the-land-with-tr","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2024\/04\/20\/turkish-strikes-have-polluted-rivers-in-syria-people-are-starting-to-heal-the-land-with-tr","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Oil slicks in the Khabur River in Syria, a major tributary of the Euphrates, have left agriculture \u201calmost impossible\u201d according to one farmer in Hasakah. \n\nFor the past two months, Riyadh Al-Aswad has been desperately struggling to keep his wheat crop alive long enough for the harvest season. He is not alone in his plight as hundreds of other farmers across the northeast grapple with the pollution. \n\nThe oil spills, which first appeared in February, were blamed on T\u00fcrkiye after its military conducted a series of airstrikes on Kurdish-affiliated oil refineries in northeastern Syria . \n\n\u201cSince the attacks, I stopped watering my lot using water from the river,\u201d Al-Aswad tells Euronews Green. \u201cIt would be easier for me to just uproot the harvest and poison the soil instead.\u201d \n\nWhat\u2019s behind the oil pollution in Syria? \n\nAccording to the Turkish minister of defense, the attacks were in retaliation for the death of nine Turkish soldiers in January after Kurdish fighters linked to the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK) raided a Turkish military base in Iraq. \n\nThe Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which T\u00fcrkiye considers a branch of the PKK - a Turkish and Western-designated terrorist organisation - is the military wing of the Kurdish-led, US-supported Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. AANES has gained control over much of Syria's northeast following the conflict against Islamic State militant groups in Syria. \n\nT\u00fcrkiye has carried out a series of military ground operations since 2016 to limit SDF presence in border areas in northern Syria. \n\nThe continuous fighting has exacerbated an already deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the north, with five million people at risk of losing access to clean drinking water in a region once celebrated as the nation\u2019s ' breadbasket '. \n\nNortheast Syria is vulnerable to climate change \n\nAl-Aswad now relies on rainfall for irrigation, but with Syria enduring its worst drought in seven decades, he is praying for an end to the precarious situation. \n\nOil pollution was not the only consequence farmers had to deal with in the aftermath of the attacks, according to Hamdan Al-Shammari, a farmer from Tell Brak. \n\n\u201cBy disrupting oil flow to the region, the airstrikes have worsened the power cuts in the northeast, which can go on for most of the day,\u201d he explains. \u201cIt also reduced the availability of diesel needed to power irrigation systems for generating water flow to the soil.\u201d \n\nClimate change is a global threat, and Syria\u2019s northeast is no exception, especially as it suffers the decades-long consequences of desertification and drought. It is also in constant need of reforestation efforts, according to Raman Drouish, agricultural engineer and environmental expert. \n\nMore than a decade of conflict has cost Syria at least 25 per cent of its forest coverage, leaving it \u201cat very high risk in terms of vulnerability and low readiness to adapt to climate change,\u201d according to an EU climate change risk index. \n\nFareed Saadoun, a Kurdish affairs analyst, notes that primitive oil extraction and refining techniques have long plagued the region. \u201cBurning crude oil has caused the production of derivatives filled with toxic and carcinogenic gases, which have had a negative impact on general health in northeast Syria,\u201d he says. \n\n\"You have on one end, the scarcity of green areas; on the other, the lack of adequate attention to reforestation, and to make matters worse, the Turkish attacks on the region,\u201d Drouish says. \n\n\u201cAgainst this backdrop, reforestation campaigns become more important than ever.\u201d \n\nCivil society unites for a greener northeast \n\nIn response to the airstrike and ongoing drought, a coalition of 31 civil society organisations in northeastern Syria have organised a voluntary campaign to plant an initial 1,000 trees in the first half of 2024. \n\nThe joint effort, called Aghras Al-Somoud (planting resilience in English) kicked off on 27 February. So far local organisations have planted 400 trees in Hasakah and 200 trees in Qamishli, almost 200 metres away from the location of the oil spills in the Khabour. \n\n\u201cThis is our solution to save our homes from drought and to respond to the Turkish attacks that are plaguing us,\u201d says Idris Dawood, chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Youth Civil Society Organization, which oversees coordination between the participating groups. \n\n\"These trees can be at least a first step towards environmental healing.\" \n\nThe effort is not uncommon in northeast Syria and dovetails with several other projects to combat drought in the region. \n\nIn Gueran neighbourhood, an area grappling with deforestation and recurrent droughts, a community initiative planted 1,700 seedlings in February with the goal of ultimately improving air quality . \n\n\u201cAlthough the campaign was small-scaled covering only the neighbourhood, it was a joint communal effort that helped us feel that we\u2019re helping our city,\u201d says resident Jassem Al-Hamid. \n\nAnother successful initiative was launched in March by the residents of Al-Hilaliyah in Qamishli, where Kurds live alongside Syrian IDPs. Members of the community donated funds, each to the best of their ability, to plant more than 1,000 trees. \n\n\u201cThe area that was planted near the Turkish border was a barren wasteland . It has now become a communal space, where families can gather and enjoy the fresh air,\" says Akid Barhou, a resident of the neighbourhood. \n\nTrees can play an important role in mitigating climate change , says Drourish, or \u201cat least create a kind of adaptation to drought and desertification.\u201d \n\n\u201cSuch campaigns contribute to creating a kind of environmental balance, provided that they are sustainable, cover large areas, and are constantly cared for.\" \n\nThis article is published in collaboration with Egab . \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Oil slicks in the Khabur River in Syria, a major tributary of the Euphrates, have left agriculture \u201calmost impossible\u201d according to one farmer in Hasakah.<\/p>\n<p>For the past two months, Riyadh Al-Aswad has been desperately struggling to keep his wheat crop alive long enough for the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//03//29//agriculture-vs-tourism-how-are-farmers-and-hotels-coping-with-the-spanish-drought/">harvest season. He is not alone in his plight as hundreds of other farmers across the northeast grapple with the pollution.<\/p>\n<p>The oil spills, which first appeared in February, were blamed on T\u00fcrkiye after its military conducted a series of airstrikes on Kurdish-affiliated oil refineries in northeastern <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//11//12//olive-waste-is-being-turned-into-clean-fuel-to-power-homes-in-syria/">Syria./n

/u201cSince the attacks, I stopped watering my lot using water from the river,\u201d Al-Aswad tells Euronews Green. \u201cIt would be easier for me to just uproot the harvest and poison the soil instead.\u201d<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8377156,8381346\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//04//18//experts-say-cloud-seeding-isnt-to-blame-for-dubais-record-rainfall-what-caused-the-floods/">Experts say cloud seeding isn\u2019t to blame for Dubai\u2019s record rainfall: What caused the floods?<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//04//17//why-is-france-protesting-a-uk-ban-on-bottom-trawling-in-protected-areas/">Why is France protesting a UK ban on bottom trawling in protected areas?<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>What\u2019s behind the oil pollution in Syria?<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//51//94//808x454_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg/" alt=\"Oil slicks in the Khabur River, a major tributary of the Euphrates.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/384x216_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/640x360_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/750x422_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/828x466_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1080x608_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1200x675_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1920x1080_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Oil slicks in the Khabur River, a major tributary of the Euphrates.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Aghras Al-Somoud initiative<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>According to the Turkish minister of defense, the attacks were in retaliation for the death of nine Turkish soldiers in January after Kurdish fighters linked to the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK) raided a Turkish military base in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//11//28//turkiye-spain-italy-where-in-europe-are-people-most-concerned-about-climate-change/">T/u00fcrkiye considers a branch of the PKK - a Turkish and Western-designated terrorist organisation - is the military wing of the Kurdish-led, US-supported Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. AANES has gained control over much of Syria&#039;s northeast following the conflict against Islamic State militant groups in Syria.<\/p>\n<p>T\u00fcrkiye has carried out a series of military ground operations since 2016 to limit SDF presence in border areas in northern Syria.<\/p>\n<p>The continuous fighting has exacerbated an already deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the north, with five million people at risk of losing access to clean drinking water in a region once celebrated as the nation\u2019s &#039;<a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//03//15//these-foods-could-soon-be-in-short-supply-due-to-the-war-in-ukraine/">breadbasket&#039;.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8286802\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//03//06//the-un-is-investigating-the-environmental-impact-of-the-war-in-gaza-heres-what-it-says-so-/">The UN is investigating the environmental impact of the war in Gaza. Here\u2019s what it says so far<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Northeast Syria is vulnerable to climate change<\/h2><p>Al-Aswad now relies on rainfall for irrigation, but with Syria enduring its worst <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//04//19//barcelona-is-banking-on-a-floating-desalination-plant-to-fight-drought-in-northeastern-spa/">drought in seven decades, he is praying for an end to the precarious situation.<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//10//25//two-cubic-metres-of-oil-swedish-coastguard-rush-to-clean-up-ferry-fuel-leak/">Oil pollution<\/strong><\/a> was not the only consequence farmers had to deal with in the aftermath of the attacks, according to Hamdan Al-Shammari, a farmer from Tell Brak.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy disrupting oil flow to the region, the airstrikes have worsened the power cuts in the northeast, which can go on for most of the day,\u201d he explains. \u201cIt also reduced the availability of diesel needed to power irrigation systems for generating water flow to the soil.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//04//09//march-breaks-global-temperature-record-for-tenth-month-in-a-row-how-does-europe-compare/">Climate change<\/strong><\/a> is a global threat, and Syria\u2019s northeast is no exception, especially as it suffers the decades-long consequences of desertification and drought. It is also in constant need of reforestation efforts, according to Raman Drouish, agricultural engineer and environmental expert.<\/p>\n<p>More than a decade of conflict has cost Syria at least 25 per cent of its <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//11//22//europes-forests-are-being-destroyed-by-wildfires-and-illegal-logging-satellites-could-save/">forest coverage, leaving it \u201cat very high risk in terms of vulnerability and low readiness to adapt to climate change,\u201d according to an EU climate change risk index.<\/p>\n<p>Fareed Saadoun, a Kurdish affairs analyst, notes that primitive oil extraction and refining techniques have long plagued the region. \u201cBurning <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2022//12//02//view-70-of-the-eus-oil-is-used-by-transport-so-why-are-we-driving-and-flying-as-usual/">crude oil<\/strong><\/a> has caused the production of derivatives filled with toxic and carcinogenic gases, which have had a negative impact on general health in northeast Syria,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>\"You have on one end, the scarcity of green areas; on the other, the lack of adequate attention to reforestation, and to make matters worse, the Turkish attacks on the region,\u201d Drouish says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAgainst this backdrop, reforestation campaigns become more important than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"5256648,8263202\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2021//09//01//how-to-tell-the-difference-between-tree-planting-schemes-and-scams/">What's the difference between legitimate tree-planting schemes and scams?<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//02//24//ukraines-green-fightback-wind-farms-solar-schools-and-counting-the-cost-of-destroying-natu/">Ukraine/u2019s green fightback: Wind farms, solar schools and counting the cost of \u2018destroying nature\u2019<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Civil society unites for a greener northeast<\/h2><div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//51//94//808x454_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg/" alt=\"Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/384x216_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/640x360_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/750x422_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/828x466_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1080x608_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1200x675_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/1920x1080_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Aghras Al-Somoud initiative<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In response to the airstrike and ongoing drought, a coalition of 31 civil society organisations in northeastern Syria have organised a voluntary campaign to plant an initial 1,000 trees in the first half of 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The joint effort, called Aghras Al-Somoud (planting resilience in English) kicked off on 27 February. So far local organisations have planted 400 trees in Hasakah and 200 trees in Qamishli, almost 200 metres away from the location of the oil spills in the Khabour.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is our solution to save our homes from <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//04//18//more-of-the-same-these-european-villages-are-preparing-for-another-year-of-extreme-drought/">drought and to respond to the Turkish attacks that are plaguing us,\u201d says Idris Dawood, chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Youth Civil Society Organization, which oversees coordination between the participating groups.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-quotation\n widget--size-fullwidth\n widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__content\">\n <blockquote class=\"widget__quote\">\n <span class=\"widget__quoteText\">These trees can be at least a first step towards environmental healing.<\/span>\n <\/blockquote>\n <cite class=\"widget__author\">\n <\/cite>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\"These <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//03//27//planting-trees-in-the-wrong-places-could-be-contributing-to-global-warming-study-reveals/">trees can be at least a first step towards environmental healing.\"<\/p>\n<p>The effort is not uncommon in northeast Syria and dovetails with several other projects to combat drought in the region.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8171602\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//05//15//positive-environmental-stories-from-2024/">Renewable records and green awards: Positive environmental stories from 2024<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In Gueran neighbourhood, an area grappling with deforestation and recurrent droughts, a community initiative planted 1,700 seedlings in February with the goal of ultimately improving <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//03//20//only-seven-countries-in-the-world-breathe-safe-air-three-of-them-are-in-europe/">air quality<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlthough the campaign was small-scaled covering only the neighbourhood, it was a joint communal effort that helped us feel that we\u2019re helping our city,\u201d says resident Jassem Al-Hamid.<\/p>\n<p>Another successful initiative was launched in March by the residents of Al-Hilaliyah in Qamishli, where Kurds live alongside Syrian IDPs. Members of the community donated funds, each to the best of their ability, to plant more than 1,000 trees.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe area that was planted near the Turkish border was a barren <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//04//16//now-we-can-breathe-a-little-how-gaza-is-bringing-its-wetlands-back-to-life/">wasteland. It has now become a communal space, where families can gather and enjoy the fresh air,\" says Akid Barhou, a resident of the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n<p>Trees can play an important role in mitigating <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//04//18//climate-change-is-coming-for-our-incomes-study-warns-which-countries-will-lose-out-the-mos/">climate change<\/strong><\/a>, says Drourish, or \u201cat least create a kind of adaptation to drought and desertification.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuch campaigns contribute to creating a kind of environmental balance, provided that they are sustainable, cover large areas, and are constantly cared for.\"<\/p>\n<p><em>This article is published in collaboration with <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.egab.co///">Egab./n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713536669,"updatedAt":1713592872,"publishedAt":1713592838,"firstPublishedAt":1713538908,"lastPublishedAt":1713592872,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//51//94//{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b1491534-e0e0-530e-a1e7-9e7c71d6d32a-8385194.jpg","altText":"Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks. ","caption":"Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks. ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Aghras Al-Somoud initiative","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":900},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cbbb7daf-1af9-59eb-8ed3-74b490a102b2-8385194.jpg","altText":"Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks. ","caption":"Volunteers planting seedlings in Haskah and Qamishli in northeast Syria following Turkish attacks. ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Aghras Al-Somoud initiative","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":900},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/51\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1972bac4-3f2e-5d2d-98a4-93e42f6c92a7-8385194.jpg","altText":"Oil slicks in the Khabur River, a major tributary of the Euphrates.","caption":"Oil slicks in the Khabur River, a major tributary of the Euphrates.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Aghras Al-Somoud initiative","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":900}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":28396,"slug":"war-in-syria","urlSafeValue":"war-in-syria","title":"war in Syria","titleRaw":"war in Syria"},{"id":21736,"slug":"syrian-oil","urlSafeValue":"syrian-oil","title":"Syrian oil","titleRaw":"Syrian oil"},{"id":24634,"slug":"tree-planting","urlSafeValue":"tree-planting","title":"tree-planting","titleRaw":"tree-planting"},{"id":17454,"slug":"river","urlSafeValue":"river","title":"river","titleRaw":"river"},{"id":9403,"slug":"drought","urlSafeValue":"drought","title":"Drought","titleRaw":"Drought"},{"id":12538,"slug":"farming","urlSafeValue":"farming","title":"farming","titleRaw":"farming"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"quotation","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":4}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Shivan Ibrahim","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nature","urlSafeValue":"nature","title":"Nature","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/nature\/nature"},"vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"nature","urlSafeValue":"nature","title":"Nature","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/nature"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":33,"urlSafeValue":"nature","title":"Nature"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":268,"urlSafeValue":"syria","title":"Syria","url":"\/news\/asia\/syria"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','gt_negative','neg_saudiaramco','gb_safe_from_high','pos_facebook','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_politics','neg_facebook_q4','gs_business','gs_busfin','neg_pmi','shadow9hu7_pos_pmi','neg_facebook','gs_science_geography','gv_terrorism','gs_business_agri','neg_audi_list1','neg_citi_campaign','gs_busfin_indus_agriculture','gs_busfin_indus','gt_negative_anger','gv_death_injury','gt_negative_dislike','gs_society_misc','gv_military','gb_terrorism_high_med','gb_terrorism_high_med_low','gb_terrorism_news-ent','gt_negative_fear'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/green\/2024\/04\/20\/turkish-strikes-have-polluted-rivers-in-syria-people-are-starting-to-heal-the-land-with-tr","lastModified":1713592872},{"id":2523684,"cid":8380066,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240417_TCSU_55323225","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"travel_regeneration of jeddah","channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Boutique hotels and buzzing souqs: Discover the historic heart of Jeddah","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Saudi Arabia: Why you should visit Jeddah in 2024","titleListing2":"Boutique hotels and buzzing souqs: Discover the historic heart of Jeddah","leadin":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","summary":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","keySentence":"","url":"boutique-hotels-and-buzzing-souqs-discover-the-historic-heart-of-jeddah","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2024\/04\/20\/boutique-hotels-and-buzzing-souqs-discover-the-historic-heart-of-jeddah","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In the airy, high-ceilinged dining room of Beit Johkdar Hotel, Jeddah, breakfast is being served. It begins with a basket of warm bread - sesame seed encrusted, cardamon infused and traditional flatbread - with herby butter and black honey. \n\nNext come the entre\u00e9s, spicy olive tapenade, grilled halloumi with apricot jam, fried vegetables and a mini loaf of feta-marbled bread. This is followed by homemade falafel with tahini dipping sauce, spiced hummus, foul mudammas beans and shakshuka. \n\nBy the time the tiny pancakes, banana bread and fresh fruit arrive, I\u2019ve long admitted defeat. I soon learn the exquisitely presented dishes, deferential waiting staff and sheer volume of food are typical of Saudi hospitality. \n\nBeit Johkdar is one of three historic hotels that have just opened in Jeddah, a city on the Red Sea coast. Several more properties in Al Balad - the old town - are due to open in the next few years. All are part of the Jeddah regeneration project and the wider, ambitious Saudi vision for tourism. \n\nAs a country that only began offering tourist visas in 2019, it is a bit of a wild card for a holiday - all the more so if you visit during Ramadan, as I did. Here\u2019s how the country is undergoing dramatic change as it opens up to tourism and how you can dive into its artisanal culture, belt-busting cuisine and storied hospitality in Jeddah. \n\nJeddah: An ancient city undergoing a renaissance \n\nDriving from the airport into the heart of Jeddah city, you pass kilometre after kilometre of residential blocks, flashy stores and illuminated shopping arcades. But the historic centre - known as Al Balad - is what is drawing tourists. \n\nThe name of this ancient city derives from the word grandmother, referring to Eve who descended to earth right on the spot where the city now stands, as Abeer Abu Suleiman, Saudi Arabia\u2019s first female tour guide, explains. \n\nAs early as the 1st century BCE, Jeddah was already a thriving fishing hub and a prominent stop on trading routes. It also flourished thanks to its role as the gateway to Mecca , welcoming religious pilgrims from across the globe on their Hajj journeys. \n\nAl Balad has remained the historic heart of this city but, by the late 20th century, its antiquated homes were being abandoned by families seeking more modern and well-equipped houses in newer neighbourhoods. \n\nThe area\u2019s fortunes began to change with its UNESCO designation in 2014. In 2021, a regeneration masterplan was announced - and royally endorsed - and the Jeddah Historic District programme was launched to restore some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes. \n\nThe buildings are constructed from coral stone, limestone and wood. Some are many centuries old and painstaking work has gone into researching and passing on the knowledge of local materials and craftsmanship . \n\nThe houses of Al Balad are famous for their roshan - wooden box balconies covering windows intricately decorated with latticework designs and painted in Tunisian blue and Saudi green. These multifunctional structures allow a breeze into rooms, block sunlight and once provided a private space where women could look out without being observed. \n\nBeyond the buildings, the project aims to regenerate the spirit and vitality of a community. In the squares, there are wooden benches and games for children. Museums like the Tariq Abdulhakim Music Center, named after a renowned Saudi musician, have opened. In a labyrinth of narrow alleys, the collective Zawiya 97 has provided workshop space for artisans producing contemporary products using traditional techniques. \n\nReem Abdulghani demonstrates her own 3D embroidery technique and her clothing label makes a statement with the use of fuchsia and yellow instead of the ubiquitous black and beige of women\u2019s outfits. At woodturning workshop \u2018Aromat\u2019, 29-year-old Hassan Mohammed sells artisanal hand-crafted bowls, vases, and candlesticks. \n\nBoutique hotels in historic homes: Where to stay in Jeddah \n\nBy the end of the project, 34 structures in Al Balad will house boutique hotels . Three are already operating - Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan - all within walking distance of each other. \n\nThe concept behind the properties is much more than just a place to sleep. The historic residences are named after their previous owners and recreate the personal, individualised experience akin to being a house guest. Their descendants shared memories to help with the restoration. \n\nOn arrival, I am shown to the \u2018lobby\u2019 in Beit Johkdar, the grandest of the three properties and a kind of central hub at the moment. The entrance hall with its high wooden beamed ceiling, pale stone flags and Arabic inscriptions in gypsum is lit by a chandelier. \n\nI'm poured Arabic coffee - ochre-coloured and infused with cardamom - from a sleek gold-coloured pot while Arabic music tinkles softly. I relax on a plush velvet sofa as the receptionist does the paperwork somewhere out of sight. \n\nAt Beit Al Rayess, the architecture is more intimate, with lower ceilings and archways graced with giant ceramic vases. I have a sequence of little rooms - entranceway, bathroom, living area, dressing area and bedroom. The furnishings are dark wood, cream upholstery and plenty of plants. \n\nBeit Kedwan can only be rented in its entirety and has two bedrooms. The lavish residence has a living room with Moorish arched niches and mother-of-pearl inlaid tables and a roof terrace with cushioned seating, lanterns and a canopy. The grand main bedroom has two large artistically-faded rugs and a Murano-style chandelier. \n\nWhat is it like to visit Jeddah during Ramadan? \n\nTravellers may consider it unwise to visit during Ramadan season; it certainly poses challenges like the lack of food outlets open during the day. But if you can be flexible with your itinerary and sleep schedule, the Muslim festive period is joyous to experience. \n\nAside from brief two to three-hour windows, shops, restaurants and cafes are closed until late afternoon or evening. But the dearth of crowds during the day does present an opportunity to take a tour on a golf cart unimpeded and snap some atmospheric photos. \n\nThe reason to visit during Ramadan becomes clear around 6pm, when queues form in front of streetside kiosks serving freshly prepared traditional foods - strips of beef liver, khubz bread, samosas, a banana and date bake and a fermented yoghurt drink called sobia. \n\nPeople from all around Jeddah and further afield pile into Al Balad in the evening for iftar - the breaking of the fast. Families, groups of friends and couples gather at tables set out in the squares beneath trees bedecked with fairy lights. They unpack their kiosk food from bags and open takeaway boxes in preparation for sunset. \n\nThe atmosphere is quiet and reflective. The muezzin begins his undulating call that resonates around the piazzas and signals that it\u2019s time to break the fast. It is a spiritual and devotional moment but one of community and warmth. \n\nAs evening fades to night, people crowd the streets in their finery; abayas are encrusted with gold beads, pearls and embroidery. \n\nThere are dozens of ushers with Ramadan-tagged vests to direct the foot traffic and hype up the crowd with celebratory shouts. There's also an army of street cleaners who seem to appear at your elbow miraculously the moment you have empty containers. \n\nAt perfume shops, staff stand outside with chalices of burning incense wafting their smoky fragrance over passersby in a traditional welcome. \n\nWith Abeer, I while away the hours peeking into 300-year-old buildings with rooftop stargazing and museums with tasters of Ramadan sweets. We dip into tiny shops in the city\u2019s five souqs where abayas bulge from racks along the walls; and learn about the Mecca pilgrimage at the 600-year-old Al Shafei mosque. \n\nI retire to bed at 1am, but the Jeddawi stay out much longer. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>In the airy, high-ceilinged dining room of Beit Johkdar Hotel, Jeddah, breakfast is being served. It begins with a basket of warm bread - sesame seed encrusted, cardamon infused and traditional flatbread - with herby butter and black honey.<\/p>\n<p>Next come the entre\u00e9s, spicy olive tapenade, grilled halloumi with apricot jam, fried vegetables and a mini loaf of feta-marbled bread. This is followed by homemade falafel with tahini dipping sauce, spiced hummus, foul mudammas beans and shakshuka.<\/p>\n<p>By the time the tiny pancakes, banana bread and fresh fruit arrive, I\u2019ve long admitted defeat. I soon learn the exquisitely presented dishes, deferential waiting staff and sheer volume of food are typical of Saudi hospitality.<\/p>\n<p>Beit Johkdar is one of three historic hotels that have just opened in Jeddah, a city on the Red Sea coast. Several more properties in Al Balad - the old town - are due to open in the next few years. All are part of the Jeddah regeneration project and the wider, ambitious <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//11//15//saudi-arabia-is-building-a-futuristic-ski-resort-in-the-middle-of-the-desert/">Saudi vision for tourism.<\/p>\n<p>As a country that only began offering <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//04//10//thailand-cambodia-vietnam-could-southeast-asia-be-introducing-a-schengen-style-visa-system/">tourist visas<\/strong><\/a> in 2019, it is a bit of a wild card for a holiday - all the more so if you visit during Ramadan, as I did. Here\u2019s how the country is undergoing dramatic change as it opens up to tourism and how you can dive into its artisanal culture, belt-busting cuisine and storied hospitality in Jeddah.<\/p>\n<h2>Jeddah: An ancient city undergoing a renaissance<\/h2><p>Driving from the airport into the heart of Jeddah city, you pass kilometre after kilometre of residential blocks, flashy stores and illuminated shopping arcades. But the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//12//22//europe-s-prettiest-fairytale-towns-and-villages/">historic centre<\/strong><\/a> - known as Al Balad - is what is drawing tourists.<\/p>\n<p>The name of this ancient city derives from the word grandmother, referring to Eve who descended to earth right on the spot where the city now stands, as Abeer Abu Suleiman, Saudi Arabia\u2019s first female tour guide, explains.<\/p>\n<p>As early as the 1st century BCE, Jeddah was already a thriving fishing hub and a prominent stop on trading routes. It also flourished thanks to its role as the gateway to <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//06//26//fragrance-free-toiletries-and-lots-of-snacks-the-ultimate-packing-list-for-the-hajj-pilgri/">Mecca, welcoming religious pilgrims from across the globe on their Hajj journeys.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//00//66//808x454_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg/" alt=\"The doors of Al Balad\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/384x216_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/640x360_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/750x422_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/828x466_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1080x608_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1920x1080_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The doors of Al Balad<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Rebecca Ann Hughes<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Al Balad has remained the historic heart of this city but, by the late 20th century, its antiquated homes were being abandoned by families seeking more modern and well-equipped houses in newer neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n<p>The area\u2019s fortunes began to change with its <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//04//08//ancient-cities-and-ottoman-splendour-turkiyes-must-see-unesco-sites/">UNESCO designation in 2014. In 2021, a regeneration masterplan was announced - and royally endorsed - and the Jeddah Historic District programme was launched to restore some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.<\/p>\n<p>The buildings are constructed from coral stone, limestone and wood. Some are many centuries old and painstaking work has gone into researching and passing on the knowledge of local materials and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//12//02//kanazawa-and-toyama-the-magic-of-japan/">craftsmanship./n

The houses of Al Balad are famous for their roshan - wooden box balconies covering windows intricately decorated with latticework designs and painted in Tunisian blue and Saudi green. These multifunctional structures allow a breeze into rooms, block sunlight and once provided a private space where women could look out without being observed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//00//66//808x454_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg/" alt=\"The transformation of Jeddah&apos;s historic buildings\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/384x216_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/640x360_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/750x422_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/828x466_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1080x608_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1920x1080_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The transformation of Jeddah&apos;s historic buildings<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Rebecca Ann Hughes<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Beyond the buildings, the project aims to regenerate the spirit and vitality of a community. In the squares, there are wooden benches and games for children. Museums like the Tariq Abdulhakim Music Center, named after a renowned <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//11//13//untouched-waters-the-saudi-arabian-destination-promising-scuba-fans-unparalleled-diving/">Saudi musician, have opened. In a labyrinth of narrow alleys, the collective Zawiya 97 has provided workshop space for artisans producing contemporary products using traditional techniques.<\/p>\n<p>Reem Abdulghani demonstrates her own 3D embroidery technique and her clothing label makes a statement with the use of fuchsia and yellow instead of the ubiquitous black and beige of women\u2019s outfits. At woodturning workshop \u2018Aromat\u2019, 29-year-old Hassan Mohammed sells artisanal hand-crafted bowls, vases, and candlesticks.<\/p>\n<h2>Boutique hotels in historic homes: Where to stay in Jeddah<\/h2><p>By the end of the project, 34 structures in Al Balad will house boutique <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2022//12//16//sicily-s-best-boutique-hotels-sleep-in-style-at-these-high-end-hideaways/">hotels. Three are already operating - Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al Rayess and Beit Kedwan - all within walking distance of each other.<\/p>\n<p>The concept behind the properties is much more than just a place to sleep. The historic residences are named after their previous owners and recreate the personal, individualised experience akin to being a house guest. Their descendants shared memories to help with the restoration.<\/p>\n<p>On arrival, I am shown to the \u2018lobby\u2019 in Beit Johkdar, the grandest of the three properties and a kind of central hub at the moment. The entrance hall with its high wooden beamed ceiling, pale stone flags and Arabic inscriptions in gypsum is lit by a chandelier.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-ease-in-up widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625562556255626\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//38//00//66//808x454_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg/" alt=\"A room inside Jokhdar Hotel\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/384x216_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/640x360_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/750x422_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/828x466_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1080x608_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1200x675_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/1920x1080_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A room inside Jokhdar Hotel<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Jeddah Historic District Hotels<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I&#039;m poured Arabic <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2020//02//12//is-your-reusable-coffee-cup-really-making-a-difference/">coffee - ochre-coloured and infused with cardamom - from a sleek gold-coloured pot while Arabic music tinkles softly. I relax on a plush velvet sofa as the receptionist does the paperwork somewhere out of sight.<\/p>\n<p>At Beit Al Rayess, the architecture is more intimate, with lower ceilings and archways graced with giant ceramic vases. I have a sequence of little rooms - entranceway, bathroom, living area, dressing area and bedroom. The furnishings are dark wood, cream upholstery and plenty of plants.<\/p>\n<p>Beit Kedwan can only be rented in its entirety and has two bedrooms. The lavish residence has a living room with Moorish arched niches and mother-of-pearl inlaid tables and a roof terrace with cushioned seating, lanterns and a canopy. The grand main bedroom has two large artistically-faded rugs and a Murano-style chandelier.<\/p>\n<h2>What is it like to visit Jeddah during Ramadan?<\/h2><p>Travellers may consider it unwise to visit during <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2021//04//19//explore-ramadan-in-dubai-from-private-jet-iftars-to-intimate-mosque-tours/">Ramadan season; it certainly poses challenges like the lack of food outlets open during the day. But if you can be flexible with your itinerary and sleep schedule, the Muslim festive period is joyous to experience.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from brief two to three-hour windows, shops, restaurants and cafes are closed until late afternoon or evening. But the dearth of crowds during the day does present an opportunity to take a tour on a golf cart unimpeded and snap some atmospheric photos.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8293978,8040042\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//11//15//saudi-arabia-is-building-a-futuristic-ski-resort-in-the-middle-of-the-desert/">Saudi Arabia is building a futuristic ski resort in the middle of the desert<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2024//03//16//discover-riyadh-why-now-is-the-time-to-visit-saudi-arabis-futuristic-capital/">Discover Riyadh: Why now is the time to visit Saudi Arabia\u2019s futuristic capital <\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The reason to visit during Ramadan becomes clear around 6pm, when queues form in front of streetside kiosks serving freshly prepared <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//04//29//want-to-travel-more-sustainably-try-eating-your-way-around-europes-seasonal-delights/">traditional foods<\/strong><\/a> - strips of beef liver, khubz bread, samosas, a banana and date bake and a fermented yoghurt drink called sobia.<\/p>\n<p>People from all around Jeddah and further afield pile into Al Balad in the evening for iftar - the breaking of the fast. Families, groups of friends and couples gather at tables set out in the squares beneath trees bedecked with fairy lights. They unpack their kiosk food from bags and open takeaway boxes in preparation for sunset.<\/p>\n<div data-oembed-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C5dcUOgNMd-\/?img_index=3\" class=\"widget widget--type-instagram widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C5dcUOgNMd-\/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.instagram.com//p//C5dcUOgNMd-//?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\%22 style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.instagram.com//p//C5dcUOgNMd-//?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading\%22 style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">A post shared by Rebecca Ann Hughes (@labruttafigura)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=https://www.euronews.com/"////platform.instagram.com//en_US//embeds.js/"> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. The muezzin begins his undulating call that resonates around the piazzas and signals that it\u2019s time to break the fast. It is a spiritual and devotional moment but one of community and warmth.<\/p>\n<p>As evening fades to night, people crowd the streets in their finery; abayas are encrusted with gold beads, pearls and embroidery.<\/p>\n<p>There are dozens of ushers with Ramadan-tagged vests to direct the foot traffic and hype up the crowd with celebratory shouts. There&#039;s also an army of street cleaners who seem to appear at your elbow miraculously the moment you have empty containers.<\/p>\n<div\n data-stories-id=\"8027962,7578464\"\n data-event=\"widget_related\"\n class=\"widget widget--type-related widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <ul class=\"widget__related_list\"><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//11//13//untouched-waters-the-saudi-arabian-destination-promising-scuba-fans-unparalleled-diving/">Untouched waters: The Saudi Arabian destination promising scuba fans unparalleled diving<\/a> <\/li><li class=\"widget__related_listItem\"> <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//05//06//diriyah-inside-the-57-billion-giga-project-set-to-transform-the-birthplace-of-saudi-arabia/">Diriyah: Inside the \u20ac57 billion \u2018giga-project\u2019 set to transform the birthplace of Saudi Arabia<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At perfume shops, staff stand outside with chalices of burning incense wafting their smoky fragrance over passersby in a traditional welcome.<\/p>\n<p>With Abeer, I while away the hours peeking into 300-year-old buildings with rooftop stargazing and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2023//06//01//from-stained-glass-to-scouts-a-mini-guide-to-europes-best-bizarre-museums/">museums with tasters of Ramadan sweets. We dip into tiny shops in the city\u2019s five souqs where abayas bulge from racks along the walls; and learn about the Mecca pilgrimage at the 600-year-old Al Shafei mosque.<\/p>\n<p>I retire to bed at 1am, but the Jeddawi stay out much longer.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1713370203,"updatedAt":1713774297,"publishedAt":1713589233,"firstPublishedAt":1713372166,"lastPublishedAt":1713774297,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":" Jeddah Historic District Hotels","altText":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9c9bf216-5c18-563c-87df-efe2ff31264e-8380066.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jeddah Historic District Hotels","altText":"A room inside Jokhdar Hotel","callToActionText":null,"width":3333,"caption":"A room inside Jokhdar Hotel","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_155040a0-17c8-5e5e-b560-090ec8459ccd-8380066.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1875},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Rebecca Ann Hughes","altText":"The transformation of Jeddah's historic buildings","callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":"The transformation of Jeddah's historic buildings","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_062e0de0-85f6-5e58-953d-f91c200eee72-8380066.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Rebecca Ann Hughes","altText":"The doors of Al Balad","callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":"The doors of Al Balad","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_bcce9f96-b228-552b-bb1e-3911b2ce8727-8380066.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080},{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jeddah Historic District Hotels Project","altText":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":"The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.","url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/38\/00\/66\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_febaf5d1-7ede-5a53-b775-8de82cc68632-8380066.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"hughes","twitter":null,"title":"Rebecca Ann Hughes"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"saudi-arabia","titleRaw":"Saudi Arabia","id":243,"title":"Saudi Arabia","slug":"saudi-arabia"},{"urlSafeValue":"jeddah","titleRaw":"Jeddah","id":3968,"title":"Jeddah","slug":"jeddah"},{"urlSafeValue":"hotel","titleRaw":"HOTEL","id":13618,"title":"HOTEL","slug":"hotel"},{"urlSafeValue":"ramadan","titleRaw":"Ramadan","id":8733,"title":"Ramadan","slug":"ramadan"},{"urlSafeValue":"food","titleRaw":"Food","id":11396,"title":"Food","slug":"food"},{"urlSafeValue":"world-heritage-site","titleRaw":"World Heritage Site","id":25440,"title":"World Heritage Site","slug":"world-heritage-site"}],"widgets":[{"count":3,"slug":"image"},{"count":1,"slug":"instagram"},{"count":2,"slug":"related"}],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"destinations","urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations","online":0,"url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations\/destinations"},"vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel","id":7,"title":"Travel","slug":"travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"destinations","id":"destinations","title":"Destinations","url":"\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/destinations"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":28,"urlSafeValue":"destinations","title":"Destinations"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":243,"urlSafeValue":"saudi-arabia","title":"Saudi Arabia","url":"\/news\/asia\/saudi-arabia"},"town":[],"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_fooddrink','gs_food','gs_home','gs_fooddrink_cooking','gs_food_misc','gs_travel_type','gt_positive','gs_travel_holidays','gs_home_property','neg_bucherer','client_easports_sporting_gaming'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"path":"\/travel\/2024\/04\/20\/boutique-hotels-and-buzzing-souqs-discover-the-historic-heart-of-jeddah","lastModified":1713774297}]" data-api-url="/api/continent/middle_east">

Now playing Next

Football Now

WATCH: Bayer Leverkusen clinch German Bundesliga title

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA CITY

Bayer Leverkusen have emerged victorious, pushing Bayern Munich off the throne after their 11-year reign.

02/05/2024

Now playing Next

no comment

Protesters clash with police in Istanbul on Labour Day

Demonstrators in Istanbul clashed with law enforcement on Wednesday as they sought to access the iconic Taksim Square, defying a government prohibition on commemorating Labour Day at this historic site.

02/05/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

Israel re-opens Erez crossing to allow more aid into Gaza

The World Food Programme estimates around 1.1 million people across Gaza, around half of the population, are "struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation".

02/05/2024

Now playing Next

Yemen

Long-range Houthi strike raises concerns over rebel capabilities

A Portuguese-flagged ship has been hit far out in the Arabian sea, raising concerns about the attack capabilities of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

01/05/2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Now playing Next

Qatar 365

Performing arts in Qatar: sword dances and modern theatre

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA CITY

Tradition and modernity are both on display in Qatar when it comes to performing arts. All options are on the table, from learning the ancient art of sword dancing to participating in a modern theatre production.

01/05/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

Euroviews. This is who lit the match in the Middle East — and who poured the fuel

Through no fault of their own, Saudi Arabia and Israel find themselves at the nexus of the main geo-political rivalry of the 21st century, Terry Newman writes.

30/04/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

US steps up pressure for Gaza ceasefire deal

Blinken was speaking in Saudi Arabia ahead of a visit to Israel this week, in what will be his seventh trip to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war started in October.

30/04/2024

Now playing Next

Markets

Turkey looks towards ExxonMobile for multibillion-dollar LNG deal

As Turkey's relations with the US become easier, Ankara is looking at a change of direction from Moscow for its gas supplies.

29/04/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

War in Gaza: 22 people killed in Israeli airstrikes in Rafah

The latest developments from the Israel- Hamas war.

29/04/2024

Now playing Next

Europe News

Biden and Netanyahu speak as pressure grows on Israel over Rafah

International pressure is building on Israel over its plans to invade Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah and a ceasefire agreement.

28/04/2024

Now playing Next

the dialogue

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, the art collector supporting gender equality

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA CITY

There is no more passionate advocate for art in the Arab world then Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi. The Emirati curator, professor and columnist is on a mission to share inspiring work from diverse artists and promote the work of women from the region.

27/04/2024

Now playing Next

Yemen

Yemen's Houthi rebels attack Panama-flagged oil tanker in Red Sea

The Houthis claimed the attack early Saturday in a pre-recorded statement aired by the rebels. Friday's attack is the latest on an offensive carried out by the rebels to show their support toward Palestinians in Gaza.

27/04/2024

Now playing Next

Climate

Dubai’s deadly flooding likely made worse by climate change

A new study says it's likely a warmer world made downpours in Dubai earlier this month heavier.

26/04/2024

Now playing Next

Europe News

Cyprus overwhelmed as number of refugee arrivals surges

The "worst may be yet to come," authorities on the Mediterranean island have warned.

25/04/2024

Now playing Next

Football Now

WATCH: Should the Premier League have a salary cap?

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEDIA CITY

Player salaries are increasing, will the Premier League implement a salary cap?

25/04/2024

Now playing Next

Yemen

Blast near ship off Yemen may mark new attack by Houthis

Attacks have lulled in recent weeks following a US-led airstrike campaign targeting the rebels in Yemen.

24/04/2024

Now playing Next

Turkey

Are the EU's billions for refugees really having an impact in Turkey?

Brussels has sent Turkey billions of euros to provide for migrants and refugees who would otherwise cross into the EU. But it's not clear how the money is being spent.

24/04/2024

Now playing Next

Gaza

UNRWA report says no evidence from Israel of terror links

Review was carried out after Israeli claims that some UNRWA employees had participated in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, prompting donor countries to suspend funding.

23/04/2024

Now playing Next

Travel News

Dubai airport still in chaos after unprecedented flooding

Whether you've been affected by Dubai flight cancellations or a victim of disruption elsewhere, here’s how to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

22/04/2024

Now playing Next

Destinations

These are Türkiye’s five most beautiful train journeys

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOTÜRKIYE

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see everything Türkiye has to offer, from historical monuments to stunning landscapes.

22/04/2024

Now playing Next

Gaza

Palestinian defence recover 50 bodies from mass grave in Khan Younis

Meanwhile the Israeli military says the country’s forces have been deployed along the length of Israel’s borders in a security boost ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

22/04/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

Israeli military concludes raid on Nur al-Shams refugee camp

Israeli forces have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank

21/04/2024

Now playing Next

Israel

Base of Iraqi military base struck, but by whom?

One member of the anti-American Shiite militia group was killed in the attack and eight injured. It blames the US but Washington denies carrying it out.

20/04/2024

Now playing Next

Turkey

Activists organise 'Freedom Flotilla' laden with food aid for Gaza

The so-called 'Freedom Flotilla Coalition' is expected to depart Turkey in the coming days in an attempt to reach the shores of Gaza and deliver aid.

20/04/2024

Now playing Next

Nature

‘Environmental healing’: Syrians plant trees near oil-polluted rivers

More than a decade of conflict has cost Syria at least 25 per cent of its forest coverage, while drought rages on.

20/04/2024

Now playing Next

Destinations

Saudi Arabia: Why you should visit Jeddah in 2024

The Jeddah Historic District programme will see the restoration of some 600 historic properties for residential, tourism and business purposes.

20/04/2024

• Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• ...
• 295
• Next