It is part of a government initiative during International Aids Week to tell young people how to protect themselves against the disease.

"A part of the sermons will be reserved to the scourge of Aids," the head of Turkey's Religious Affairs Department Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz said.

There are fewer than 1,000 cases of HIV infection in Turkey, but the government says there is no reason for complacency. Most HIV cases in Turkey have been caused by unprotected sex.

Ankara has asked prayer leaders to advise people how best to uphold family values and to lead a normal, healthy sex life. The religious affairs department says sermons should concentrate on religious and ethical issues, but not be afraid to discuss more sensitive subjects.

Mosque - centre of social life

In many communities in Turkey the mosque is still the centre of social life and the best channel for public information.

The Turkish Health Ministry has made similar requests before, asking for sermons on the dangers of smoking, alcohol and even bad driving.

According to health ministry figures, about 800 people are officially diagnosed with HIV.