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Inside a Cup of Turkish Coffee: How a Mystic Drink Impacted Politics, Cultures, and Lifestyles in Europe and the Middle East
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Inside a Cup of Turkish Coffee: How a Mystic Drink Impacted Politics, Cultures, and Lifestyles in Europe and the Middle East

In the centuries since the first coffeehouse was opened in Istanbul in 1554, Turkish coffee has brought together people of different classes, cultures and ranks and helped shape politics and lifestyles, Ali Çaksu, visiting professor of history and political thought at Germany’s Ludwig Maximilian University, told a scientific forum at the University of Sharjah last...

The Silent Force Behind Online Echo Chambers? Your Google Search
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The Silent Force Behind Online Echo Chambers? Your Google Search

In an era defined by polarized views on everything from public health to politics, a new Tulane University study offers insight into why people may struggle to change their minds—especially when they turn to the internet for answers. Researchers found that people often use search engines in ways that unintentionally reinforce their existing beliefs. The study, published...

How Did a Bunny and Colored Eggs Become Easter Symbols? An Expert Has Some Answers
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How Did a Bunny and Colored Eggs Become Easter Symbols? An Expert Has Some Answers

Easter wouldn’t be Easter without a bunny, egg hunts, and festive baskets. Alongside the religious significance of Easter, the story behind the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs involves a mix of pagan rituals, Christian traditions, and 19th century European folklore. Candace Buckner, assistant professor of religion and culture at Virginia Tech, shares more about the...

Pikachu Protesters, Studio Ghibli Memes and the Subversive Power of Cuteness
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Pikachu Protesters, Studio Ghibli Memes and the Subversive Power of Cuteness

In Antalya, Turkey, in the early hours of March 27, 2025, Pikachu was spotted fleeing the police, making a getaway as fast as his short yellow legs could waddle. The person dressed as the popular Pokémon character had been objecting to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, whose political party later posted on X,...

Dice, Desire, and Destiny: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Carmen Takes Center Stage
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Dice, Desire, and Destiny: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Carmen Takes Center Stage

When Annabelle Lopez Ochoa set out to reimagine Carmen, she wasn’t looking to revive the well-worn story of a fiery seductress caught in a doomed romance. Instead, she sought to unearth something deeper—something urgent and modern. Her Carmen is not a woman ruled by passion, but by purpose. She is a force in motion, claiming...

What Ancient Animal Fables from India Teach About Political Wisdom
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What Ancient Animal Fables from India Teach About Political Wisdom

In today’s volatile world, where wars can be fought over territory, commerce can be abruptly subjected to tariffs, and friendly nations can turn hostile after a single election, political leadership is more consequential than ever. So, one must ask, what makes a leader effective, and how should we choose who should lead? Classics such as...