Religion

Travel News

Inside the UNESCO-listed churches drawing pilgrims to Cyprus

The Troodos region is home to 10 UNESCO-listed churches, which draw religious tourists from across the globe.

03/02/2026

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Cuba's Santeros offer gifts and ask deities for peace amid crises

Afro-Cuban Santeros perform ceremonies to ask for peace and health during regional conflict.

26/01/2026

World News

Religious practice is declining in Europe, Pew Research Centre says

Between 2010 and 2020, atheists represented the fastest-growing population group on the continent, according to new data.

21/01/2026

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Japan: 100 worshippers endure icy waters for Shinto ritual in Tokyo

The annual Kanchu Misogi ritual saw around 100 worshippers plunge into icy water at a Tokyo shrine on Sunday.

12/01/2026

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Ethiopians gather for Orthodox Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony

Thousands gathered for Ethiopia's Orthodox Christmas Eve in Addis Ababa, marking the end of a 43-day fast with prayers, hymns, and midnight Mass.

07/01/2026

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Young men in Greece dive for wooden cross in Epiphany celebration

Greeks celebrate Epiphany with the traditional blessing of the waters. In Piraeus, men dove into the cold sea to retrieve a wooden cross for good fortune.

06/01/2026

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV asks that Rome welcome foreigners as 2025 draws to an end

The Vatican this week released statistics showing 3.2 million people had participated in Vatican liturgies, audiences, Angelus prayers and Jubilee audiences this year.

31/12/2025

Focus

The Islamic Civilization Centre in Uzbekistan: a modern masterpiece of Central Asia

In partnership with Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan

Islamic Civilization Centre in Uzbekistan stands as a modern architectural masterpiece rooted in centuries-old traditions.

23/12/2025

Spain

Police dismantle Spanish cult that used illicit drugs in its rituals

Spanish police arrested five people running a group that charged hefty sums for rituals involving animal sacrifice and illicit drugs. The cult leader was jailed after followers required psychiatric treatment.

23/12/2025

Partner content

Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center: Reframing Central Asia’s place in global history

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s new Islamic Civilization Center aims to reshape how Central Asia is seen globally, highlighting its role in science, culture and cross-civilizational exchange.

23/12/2025

Focus

Uzbekistan revives the legacy of islam’s greatest hadith scholar

In partnership with Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has completed a major restoration of the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, one of the Muslim world's most revered pilgrimage sites.

16/12/2025

Culture news

Rare Roman-style 'Good Shepherd' fresco discovered in Turkey

The 3rd-century fresco uncovered by Turkish archaeologists is the best-preserved of its kind to date.

12/12/2025

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Turkey find reveals rare Roman-style Jesus fresco

A rare 3rd-century fresco of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was discovered near Iznik, Turkey.

12/12/2025

Cinema

Film of the Week: 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'

It's three for three in Rian Johnson's whodunit series, with Daniel Craig returning as gentleman sleuth Benoit Blanc for a gothic mystery full of dark humour, topical jabs, and a commanding performance from Josh O’Connor.

12/12/2025

Partner content

Central Asia and Azerbaijan: a shared cultural legacy for a shared future

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Culture is the memory of civilisation — a legacy that crosses borders, survives political change, and unites generations and nations.

01/12/2025

Partner content

Inside Uzbekistan’s drive to reclaim its heritage

Partner content presented by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In central Tashkent, a bold new landmark symbolises Uzbekistan’s spiritual revival.

01/12/2025