Season Two of Dawlet El Telawa Kicks Off with 25,000 Contestants as Sharqia Leads Participation

The first phase of the second season of “Dawlet El Telawa” (State of Recitation) officially kicked off today at the Sayyida Nafisa Mosque in Cairo, attended by Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf, amid a large turnout of contestants eager to take part in the program. The show is produced in collaboration between the Ministry of Awqaf and United Media Services (UMS).

Dr. Osama Al-Azhari expressed his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his support of the State of Recitation since its launch.

The minister revealed that the second season has so far attracted 25,000 contestants from all governorates across Egypt, making it one of the largest Quran recitation competitions in Egypt and the Arab world.

Ahmed Fayek, General Supervisor of the State of Recitation and Head of the Programs Sector at United Media Services, said the program is the result of the fruitful partnership between the Ministry of Awqaf and UMS.

Fayek added that Sharqia Governorate has recorded the highest number of applicants so far this season. He also noted that the first round of auditions is being held simultaneously across 10 governorates and will continue through July 13.

Auditions began at 9:00 a.m. in four governorates: Cairo, Beni Suef, Fayoum, and Sharqia. They will continue in these locations until July 13, before the judging panels move on to the remaining governorates according to a schedule that runs through August 11.

The first day’s judging panel featured a distinguished group of renowned Quran reciters and specialists: Sheikh Mahmoud El Khesht, Sheikh Qassem Halawa, Sheikh Yasser El Sharqawy, and Taha El Noamany. The panel evaluated contestants based on precise criteria, including the quality of recitation, vocal performance, and adherence to the rules of Tajweed.

The judging panels will then continue their work in the governorates of Dakahlia, Damietta, Gharbia, and Monufia, before concluding the nationwide audition tour in Qena and Ismailia on August 11.

State of Recitation aims to discover and nurture outstanding Quran recitation talents from across Egypt, supporting promising voices and introducing a new generation of distinguished Egyptian Quran reciters.