According to Turkish media reports, teachers of the compulsory religion classes in Turkish high schools – first in Gaziantep, then in Konya and now in Izmir – have shown a three part film during their class that terrified the students. The film, originally in Arabic and subtitled in Turkish, shows Hasan, a teenager, playing cards and listening to Western music with his friends. When his pious Muslim father calls him and reminds him that it is time for namaz [Islamic prayer], Hasan chooses to stay with his friends and continue to play.
The film becomes a horror story with the appearance of a black “angel of death”, who takes Hasan away. The satanic figure keeps telling Hasan that he was to be punished for his sins, and for neglecting his obligations to pray and live as a Muslim. His dead body is scorched with boiling water as he begs Allah to forgive him and bring him back to his good way.
Following complaints by some students and parents, the education authorities in the three cities have launched investigations into the matter.
Source: Hurriyet, Milliyet, Vatan, Turkey, April 22-24, 2008
