Riyadh  - After a major frenzy over two widely-viewed Turkish soap operas the Saudi Trade Ministry has started to shut down stores that sell t-shirts with pictures of the good-looking soap stars on them, reports said Thursday.

The two Arabic-dubbed Turkish soap operas have captured the attention of viewers all over the Arab world with many women staying home every night waiting for the episode to be aired.

A religiously strict Saudi group named "Calling for goodness, refraining from evilness," has been calling on young people not to wear the t-shirts.

Meanwhile, the ministry of trade has been confiscating the trading licenses of shops that sells the t-shirts. (dpa)