The competitions began in 2009 with the participation of 25 schools in Istanbul, initiated by Akdemistanbul Language Center. Due to overwhelming interest, the first Arabic Competitions finals were held in May 2010, featuring contests in Arabic Poetry Recitation, Arabic Oratory, Arabic Singing, and the Arabic Knowledge Competition.
In 2011, the Ministry of National Education approved the competitions, allowing them to be conducted nationwide. From 2013 onwards, the Ministry officially incorporated the competitions into its own contest framework, with Akdemistanbul Language Center continuing its support under a special protocol. Over the years, additional categories such as Arabic Calligraphy and Arabic Debates were introduced.
The competition evolved into a four-stage process consisting of school-level contests, provincial qualifiers, regional qualifiers, and national finals. Later, it was categorized into middle school and high school levels, each with distinct competition tracks.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating earthquake in Turkey, the competitions were suspended for four years. They resumed in 2024, with the 11th Arabic Competitions held in May 2024 across five categories. The Arabic Debates competition was incorporated into the Turkey Debates project, managed by the Ministry of National Education.
In 2025, the 12th Arabic Competitions will feature school-level, provincial, regional, and national finals. Imam Hatip Middle Schools will compete in the Arabic Dramatic Performance and Arabic Children’s Songs categories, while Anatolian Imam Hatip High Schools will participate in Arabic Poetry Recitation, Arabic Calligraphy, and the Arabic Knowledge Competition.
Additionally, in 2025, the Arabic Poetry Recitation and Arabic Knowledge Competitions will expand internationally, welcoming students from non-Arab countries worldwide