Matthew Brunwasser

To Create Strong Presidency, Erdoğan Woos Turkish Kurds

Turkey's prime minister needs Kurdish support to enact some constitutional changes, but it is not clear that the Kurds are ready to sign on.

To Create Strong Presidency, Erdoğan Woos Turkish Kurds

Greek Gods, Shields, and Spears: Ancient Hellenes Make a Comeback

Greek Gods, Shields, and Spears: Ancient Hellenes Make a Comeback

Western Classical Music Struggles to Find Audience in Turkey

Western Classical Music Struggles to Find Audience in Turkey

The Barbie-Like Women of Turkey's Creationist TV

The Barbie-Like Women of Turkey's Creationist TV

Visiting the 'Holy Mountain' Athos in Greece

Visiting the 'Holy Mountain' Athos in Greece

Dengbej: Kurdish Storytellers Revive Their Tradition In Turkey

In Turkey, Kurdish culture is having something of a Renaissance. Public expressions of Kurdish culture are now legal. Now a new cultural center has opened for traditional Kurdish story-tellers to practice their ancient art.

Dengbej: Kurdish Storytellers Revive Their Tradition In Turkey

Why Vultures are Important for Bulgaria

Vultures are associated with death but they're a welcome presence in the Madzharovo region of Bulgaria. Reporter Matthew Brunwasser took a tour of the Eastern Rhodope Nature Reserve, otherwise known as the Vulture Center.

Why Vultures are Important for Bulgaria

Why Crisis-Weary Greeks Seek Respite in Turkey

With a booming economy and cosmopolitan energy, Istanbul, Turkey is becoming an increasingly attractive location for young, educated Greeks.

Why Crisis-Weary Greeks Seek Respite in Turkey

Bulgarian Church Officials Select New Leader

Bulgarian Church officials picked a new leader over the weekend. It should have been a solemn occasion. But the church is embroiled in scandal, even as the government is on the verge of collapse.

Bulgarian Church Officials Select New Leader

Russia's New Required Religion Class for 4th Graders

This year Russia required fourth graders across the country to take a religion class. There are six choices: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, secular ethics or world religions.

Russia's New Required Religion Class for 4th Graders
The World

In the Studio with Al RTV, Russia's First Islamic TV Channel

The first Russian-language Islamic channel seeks to foster dialogue among Russia's many Islamic ethnic groups and encourage "moderate" Islam.

In the Studio with Al RTV, Russia's First Islamic TV Channel

Russia's Anti-Extremism Law Criticized

Russia's Center for Combating Extremism has come under criticism for focusing mainly on political opponents of the Kremlin.

Russia's Anti-Extremism Law Criticized
The World

In Turkey, President Barack Obama in 55 Layers of Pastry

Baked at the height of international euphoria about the Obama presidency, the "Baracklava" spends more time on its shelf at the back of the shop these days. It usually only comes out for American tourists.

In Turkey, President Barack Obama in 55 Layers of Pastry

Russian Orthodox Church Stakes Out Territory on Social Issues

Church officials says the growth of piety is natural following the collapse of Communism 20 years ago, but Russians, clergy and people alike, are still figuring out what role the church should play.

Russian Orthodox Church Stakes Out Territory on Social Issues
The World

Russia Boots USAID in a Big Blow to Obama's 'Reset' Policy

President Obama's "reset" policy with Russia took a blow this week as the USAID was told to pack its bags and leave the country by October 1, 2012.

Russia Boots USAID in a Big Blow to Obama's 'Reset' Policy