On July 11, Ali Riza Demircan, a popular theologian, appeared on a TV show aired by the official outlet Turkish Radio and Television (TRT). Pelin Cift, a young blonde woman, is the host of the program, on which Demircan appears as a frequent guest. While talking about sexuality, Demircan asserted, “Advanced oral sex between a married couple is haram [forbidden by Islam].” Cift broke into nervous laughter.

Sex is an issue Cift and Demircan often discuss on the show, as he is the author of the well-known book “Sexual Life According to Islam.” For example, during an episode aired in June 2013, Demircan had informed the audience, “Making love is akin to worship.” Cift appeared to be flustered by that assertion as well.

Aired on state television, the words “advanced oral sex” immediately sent shock waves through Turkish social media. Users asked one another what exactly “advanced oral sex” means.

The most popular reaction, however, came from another Islamic personality, Robed (Cubbeli) Ahmet Hoca. A senior figure in the Ismail Aga religious order, Ahmet Hoca is known for his love of the limelight and controversial remarks. This time he announced, “When one [Demircan] says oral sex is forbidden by Islam, he is lying in the name of God. We cannot say it is forbidden, because we have no evidence to declare it forbidden.”