Oct 22nd, 2008 · An hour southwest of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, eerily beautiful and strange ruins appear in the midst of sprawling olive groves. They're remarkable remnants of Byzantine farming villages that flourished in 4th and 5th centuries.
Nov 29th, 2006 · A lingering dispute centers over whether an ancient Byzantine landmark should be a mosque, a cathedral or a museum. Debate over the status of Aya Sofia has been re-ignited by Pope Benedict's trip to Turkey.
Nov 27th, 2006 · Pope Benedict will visit Turkey's prime minister, as planned. The visit has sparked protests from Muslims angered by the pope's reference to a Byzantine emperor who said some of Islam's Prophet Muhammad's teachings were "evil and inhuman."
Sep 16th, 2006 · The Muslim world remains angry about remarks from Pope Benedict XVI. The pontiff quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who disparaged the prophet Muhammad. The Vatican says the pope is upset at the reaction.
Nov 19th, 2004 · Cellist Anja Lechner and pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos perform music by Greek Armenian composer G.I. Gurdjieff on a new CD, Chants, Hymns and Dances. The CD also features music composed by Tsabropoulos and interpretations inspired by Byzantine hymns. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel's conversation with Lechner and Tsabropoulos.