A photographer recounts a long-standing connection with Müzeyyen Nalkesen, a Turkish artist striving to become a master of the traditional Ottoman shadow theatre of Karagöz and Hacivat. After initial success and sudden disappearance from the art form due to workplace difficulties, Müzeyyen rebuilt her life, later returning to the tradition with renewed determination. Media attention sparked by an early article helped preserve her ties to the shadow theatre community. Years later, the narrator reunites with her in Çanakkale, documenting her final initiation as a master. The story highlights the resilience of a cultural tradition and the personal journey of an artist committed to reviving and transmitting it.

A historic culinary tradition in Liguria is traced through the revival of rose syrup production in Valle Scrivia. Maria Giulia Scolaro’s rediscovery of family recipes and ancient rose varieties led to a regional project that identified two local rose types and formalized production standards. Her work inspired the creation of the Festa delle Rose, expanded local agricultural activity, and secured Slow Food recognition. The tradition continues through new producers even after her retirement, maintaining the cultural and gastronomic legacy of the region.

In the Ligurian region of Valle Scrivia, the tradition of rose syrup, a culinary heritage, has been revived. Maria Giulia Scolaro, along with Ilaria Fioravanti, played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting this tradition, leading to the establishment of the 'Festa delle Rose' and the recognition of the syrup as a Slow Food Presidio. The initiative, supported by the Provincia di Genova, identified specific rose varieties for syrup production, fostering cultural and commercial significance in the region.

VICE has relaunched its print magazine in 2026 after a seven-year absence. The summer issue, titled The Self-Destruction Issue, is available for purchase, with four quarterly issues planned for the year. A $70 annual print-and-digital membership includes all four issues, access to Members Only content, and early access to new documentaries, while digital-only plans cost $20 annually or $2 monthly. Print subscriptions are available internationally.

The Serpari Festival in Cocullo continues to attract global attention while preserving both local tradition and wildlife thanks to a scientific monitoring project initiated in 2010 by herpetologists Gianpaolo Montinaro and Ernesto Filippi. Their collaboration with the community ensures legal compliance regarding snake capture and promotes conservation through detailed tracking, microchipping, and health evaluations. Research expanded over the years to include pathogen and parasite studies as part of broader scientific initiatives such as the ICARUS project. Despite limited funding and reliance on local and volunteer support, the project has strengthened community ties and preserved a ritual central to Cocullo’s cultural identity, offering a model for integrating traditional practices with biodiversity protection.

Piero Castellano enthusiastically reviews Lisa Morrow’s “Istanbul 50 Unsung Places,” arguing that it revitalized his interest in travel guidebooks. He praises its practical advice, historical context, anecdotes and focus on lesser-known destinations, saying it helps visitors navigate Istanbul thoughtfully rather than follow crowded tourist routes. He concludes that the book works both as a useful guide and as an evocative piece of travel literature that recreates the city’s atmosphere and inspires him to revisit Istanbul.

The reviewer describes rediscovering an appreciation for travel guidebooks through Lisa Morrow’s guide to lesser-known locations in Istanbul, praising its blend of practical advice, historical context and personal storytelling. The book is credited with restoring the city’s charm beyond tourist-heavy areas and offering both newcomers and returning visitors a deeper, more authentic experience. The review highlights the book’s ability to serve simultaneously as a guide and a personal travel narrative that rekindles the magic of Istanbul.

Piero Castellano reviews Lisa Morrow's book 'Istanbul 50 unsung places', a travel guide that diverges from the typical tourist path and offers a deeper, more intimate exploration of Istanbul. The author, an Australian sociologist and travel writer who resides in Istanbul, provides a unique perspective that blends practical travel advice with personal anecdotes and historical context. Castellano praises the book for reigniting his love for travel guidebooks and for its ability to transport the reader to the less frequented, yet culturally rich areas of Istanbul. He commends Morrow for creating a guide that not only helps travelers navigate the city but also allows them to experience it as if they were locals. The book is described as a treasure map for explorers and a travel tale that restores the exotic charm of Istanbul, making it a valuable resource for both visitors and residents with foreign friends.

Piero Castellano reviews Darth Putin’s satirical book, which uses the conventions of a guidebook to expose how tankies and pro-Kremlin commentators deploy whataboutism, denial and distorted logic to defend Russia’s actions. The book expands on years of tweets about Putin, Russian and Soviet history, Kremlin-linked kleptocracy and sympathetic Western media. Castellano praises its structure, humor and end-of-chapter quizzes, arguing that the satire reveals how factual debate is replaced by deliberate illogic and political complicity.