'Bride price' protest in Adana: A nod to Kibar Feyzo
Young people of marriageable age in Adana held a protest, stating they are facing demands ranging from 500 thousand to 1 million TL under the name of 'bride price.' Taking to the streets with signs inspired by the film 'Kibar Feyzo,' the youth expressed that they are unable to marry their loved ones due to this tradition.
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Young people living in the Yüreğir district of Adana gathered to stage a protest against the practice of high-amount bride prices demanded before marriage. The demonstration took place in the 19 Mayıs, Koza, and Anadolu neighborhoods, where many residents of Şanlıurfa origin live.
A JOINT REACTION IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
In the protest, which was attended by approximately 20 young people from different neighborhoods, reactions were voiced against the high sums of money demanded from those wishing to marry. The youth stated that the bride price tradition poses a serious obstacle to marriage.
SIGNS REMINISCENT OF KIBAR FEYZO
During the protest, the banners and signs carried made references to the film Kibar Feyzo, starring Kemal Sunal. The signs featured phrases such as, "Kibar Feyzo described this day 50 years ago," "Bride prices starting from 700 thousand TL," "We are not goods to be sold," and "The bride price must be abolished."
"WE CANNOT MARRY OUR LOVED ONES"
The gathered youth expressed that they have intentions to marry but cannot take this step due to the bride prices demanded. It was claimed that many people are unable to marry because of these high amounts.
"THERE ARE MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MARRY BUT CANNOT"
Ahmet Yüksel (22), who participated in the protest, stated that he is originally from Şanlıurfa but was born and raised in Adana, adding that many young people in his circle are experiencing similar problems. Yüksel stated that 600-700 thousand TL is being demanded from them, and in some cases, this figure exceeds 1 million TL. In his statement, he said, "We are not buying a car, we are not doing business. Marriage is a Muslim's duty. We are trying to stay away from the wrong path."
"BETWEEN 500 THOUSAND AND 1 MILLION TL IS DEMANDED"
Hamza Yüksel, who stated that he is only 18 years old, said that the tradition of bride price and 'milk money' continues in some parts of Şanlıurfa. Claiming that 500 thousand to 1 million TL is demanded from young people who want to marry, Yüksel stated that his own family paid more than 1 million TL during his marriage.