The International Arabic Competitions were launched in 2009 by Akdemistanbul Language Center, Turkey’s largest institution for Arabic language education. In later years, with the support of Akdemistanbul, the competition was restructured and officially organized by the Ministry of National Education.
Held annually since 2009, the competitions were postponed in certain years due to the global pandemic and the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. As a result, the 12th edition is scheduled for 2025, aiming to help young Arabic learners enhance their language skills.
The competitions are designed to encourage young learners to engage with Arabic in a fun and interactive way. By highlighting the warm, friendly, and joyful aspects of the language, the event fosters learning through artistic and cultural activities such as poetry recitation, singing, dramatic performances, calligraphy, and debates. Additionally, the Arabic Knowledge Competition enhances the four essential language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, contributing to the advancement of modern Arabic teaching methods.
As Turkey’s largest Arabic language event, the competitions aim to increase students’ interest in Arabic and promote its academic and social significance.
Within this organization, students from Imam Hatip Middle Schools and Imam Hatip High Schools across Turkey showcase their talents in various categories, including Arabic Poetry Recitation, Arabic Dramatic Performance, Arabic Children’s Songs, Arabic Calligraphy, Arabic Debates, and the Arabic
Knowledge Competition. More than 100,000 students from over 1,000 middle and high schools actively participate in these events.
In 2012, during the third edition of the competition, participants from eight different countries outside Turkey joined for the first time, leading to the event’s rebranding as the “International Arabic Competitions.” In subsequent years, the international category continued with participation from students at International Imam Hatip High Schools in Turkey, attracting foreign students residing in the country.
In 2025, the international scope of the competition will expand once again, welcoming schools outside Turkey. The finals of the International Arabic Competitions, where high school students from non-Arab countries will compete in Arabic Poetry Recitation and the Arabic Knowledge Competition, will take place in Istanbul on June 18, 2025. The preliminary rounds will be conducted online, with participants expected from numerous countries worldwide.
For years, the International Arabic Competitions have provided a vital platform for young Arabic learners to develop their language skills, foster cultural exchange, and unite students from diverse backgrounds.