Greeks have been enthralled by Turkish TV series "The Magnificent Century" in recent months. The series is comprised of historical recreations of 16th-century Sultan Suleiman's life and slick soap opera-like tales of intrigue and family drama... Greek nationalists view the series as being a Turkish invasion of sorts, while others see opportunities for beneficial cultural exchange.

Graduate School USA has completed its nearly month-long program, “Culinary Diplomacy: Promoting Cultural Understanding Through Food,” with rave reviews from participants hailing from 25 different countries. These members of culinary, education and journalism communities met in the United States from September 6-28 for the opportunity to explore the role of food in bringing people of varied backgrounds together.

The Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya organised a special Sri Lanka Festival to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka in Nagoya, Japan on Saturday. A large gathering participated with Ambassador Admiral WasanthaKarannagoda as the Chief Guest.

To the cheers of a teeming group of Pakistanis, we walked on stage holding anti-drone signs and pictures of children who have been killed in drone attacks, and delivered an apology for the death of innocent people. "We want you to know that these Americans you see here have been fighting for years against this drone policy, and will continue to do so until we put an end into to these barbaric attacks.

My interest in Pakistan and its people didn't start with politics. Although Pakistan was far away from my Jewish American experience, from the few encounters I had with Pakistani people, I must have instinctively identified – or projected – notions I thought I recognised: Like Israelis and Jews, Pakistanis are also a people with a new country, born of turmoil and trauma (around the same time as Israel) and still under construction.

On a sunny morning in late September, the great Chinese artist Ai Weiwei sat in the courtyard of his studio in Beijing, lamenting his continued harassment by his country’s authorities. Last year, when they’d detained him for almost three months, they had also taken his passport.

We like to think we are a leading force in Asia, culturally and diplomatically. We might just be kidding ourselves. You have to give credit to the artist. Gangnam Style has set a new standard for music videos. Since its July release on YouTube, Gangnam Style has received more than 390 million views - and counting. The song has topped charts across the West, including here and in Britain.

One of the great excitements of Hay’s international festivals is getting to know major writers who are often barely known, if at all, in Britain. The oldest of these figures currently in Xalapa, Mexico, is Sergio Pitol, a 79-year old Mexican who hobbles round the town in a faded grey suit and tie, looking like an intellectual from another era.