Each year the month of Ramadan arrives in Turkey with the special flatbread (pide) and increased competition among TV channels for popular Ramadan shows. This year, however, a new Ramadan show where men compete in reciting the Quran has generated strong opposition from Islamist groups.

At the end of March, the program sought competitors known as hafiz — those who are studying the recitation and memorization of the Quran. The requirements were to be a male older than 15. Whether or not female candidates should be allowed to compete was only questioned by secular groups.

The show, a production of state-owned Turkish Radio and Television (TRT), is airing every night with five competitors and three or four judges until the 27th night of Ramadan (Night of Decree, Lailatul Qadr) on June 21. Each competitor introduces himself and his background, and then recites verses from the Quran for some seven to nine minutes. The presenter of the show refers to the competitors as nightingales, birds known for their beautiful singing voice.

Several commentators likened the competition to shows such as "American Idol," where judges' harsh comments help bring about high ratings. In Turkey, however, the judges' methods of critique and grading have attracted the ire of Islamists. The judges were slammed for two main reasons: focusing too much on melodic aspects and for imposing an ultra-nationalist reading style upon the candidates. Some of the judges are employees of Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet).