Bahrain Clergymen Issues Fatwa Against Turkish Soap

Manama, Bahrain (AHN) - A Turkish soap opera has caused such a shakeup in Arab customs that religious leaders are calling for a complete ban on the serial, saying it is against Islamic principles.

Top Shia clergymen Shaikh Isa Qassim issued a fatwa here calling for a ban on the soap opera "Noor," and urged people to refrain from watching it. He said in his fatwa that Noor was affecting the religious sentiments of the people and labeled it "demeaning."

On Monday, the Grand Mufti of the Islamic world, Shaikh Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh, from Saudi Arabia also condemned the content of the Turkish soap on the same grounds. He was quoted saying in Saudi media that the serial corrupted individuals and spread adultery in society.

The serial is followed by viewers in millions of Arab homes who are eager to know about the love story between the two main characters, Noor and Muhannad. The characters portray a practical married couple who are caught between the traditional customs in the Middle East where elders have the last say. Saudi-owned MBC telecasts the serial and also dubs into Arabic for their audiences in the region.

Muhannad is played by Turkish actor Kivanc Tatlitug, who has become the new heartthrob for Arab women. There have been several reported cases of divorce in Saudi Arabia because of him.

A regular viewer, Bahraini Lathifa Sanad, a mother of three, told AHN, "I never missed a show and eagerly wait for a new episode daily." However, she admitted shunning her responsibilities during the one-hour show.

The soap fever has also gripped the woman's maid, Sharweena, who has to be regularly called and reminded to do her work as she is busy glued to the TV screen, noted Sanad.

"Noor" has also helped tour operators in the country, who are now promising special packages with a chance to meet the stars in trips to Turkey. According to reports, tourism in Turkey is at an all-time high with Saudi visitors thronging in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the stars.

This is not the first time a TV serial or show has come under the attack of Islamists. In 2005, some lawmakers here threatened to launch constitutional procedures to stop the staging of a Pan-Arab concert featuring the lead singers of the reality show "Star Academy 2."

MP Mohammed Khalid from Al Menbar bloc (Muslim Brotherhood) said the concert offended Islamic traditions and negatively influenced young men and women.

In 2004, Islamists MP forced the cancellation of the filming of an Arab version of the reality show "Big Brother." More than 1,000 people staged a demonstration followed by a sit-in against the show, which was eventually taken off the air by MBC.

Islamist MPs recently gave another blow to the entertainment and tourism industry here after they threatened to ban Lebanese pop diva Haifa Wahbe from performing in May. Al Asala (Conservative Sunni) bloc in parliament threatened to conduct rallies and use all means to stop Haifa's show, which they considered provocative.

Similar actions were also taken by lawmakers in Kuwait against the singer.