Photo Essays

The Jewish Museum's permanent exhibition illustrates how 1700 years of interaction between Jews and non-Jews can be portrayed in pictures and objects. By Sabine Peschel

For about a century, a Mizrahi synagogue, an Armenian church, a Zoroastrian temple and a Shia mosque have been serving their followers in a small neighbourhood in downtown Tehran. By Changiz M. Varzi

A powerful explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, killing at least 100 people and injuring thousands more. Hospitals quickly filled beyond capacity and there have been appeals for people to give blood. By Darko Janjevic

In a normal year, millions of Muslims flock to Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage. But with COVID-19 still a global threat, only a few thousand have been allowed to make the journey this year, and those that were allowed to travel, have to abide by a set of strict rules.

The Hagia Sophia, with its massive dome and four minarets, is nearly 1,500 years old. Turkey's top court has now paved the way for the museum to be converted back into a mosque. By Klaus Dahmann

Already reeling from a couple of blistering winters, the weavers of Kashmir face a bleak future. With few prospects to tempt the young and the collapse of the 2020 tourism season, the days could be numbered for this time-honoured craft. By Sugato Mukherjee

Those looking to visit a leather factory In Morocco should visit the tanners' quarter in the town of Fez. For tourists the ancient craft may be fascinating, for the workers, however, it is extremely exhausting. By Stefanie Hoppner

Despite the fact that slavery is prohibited worldwide, modern forms still exist. More than 40 million men, women and children still toil in debt bondage or slavery all over the world. By Helle Jeppesen and Natalie Muller

Water buffalo and oxen have been part of the work in Indonesian fields for centuries. But the draught animals are no strangers to sport either, as can be seen in two traditional races in Bali and Sumatra. By Rodion Ebbighausen

In the U.S. capital protests against police violence continue following the death of George Floyd. Many young people in particular are demonstrating and demanding justice. Carla Bleike reports from Washington