Siverek Municipality bans bride price with council decision

In the Siverek district of Şanlıurfa, the municipal council has stepped in against the "bride price" practice, which has been debated due to the additional financial burden it places on families during the marriage process. The Siverek Municipal Council has taken a decision to abolish the practice.

The decision came after a joint call previously made by some tribes in the region. Tribal representatives who gathered in Şanlıurfa stated that the bride price is not religiously appropriate and called on families with daughters not to make such demands before weddings.

Economic difficulties faced by young people preparing for marriage due to high inflation, setting up a home, and wedding costs have brought the bride price debate back to the agenda. Steps have recently been taken by both local governments and opinion leaders against the practice, which is stated to continue especially in Eastern and Southeastern provinces.

EMPHASIS ON “NO PLACE IN RELIGION”

Following findings that the practice continues in some places despite the tribes' call, the issue was brought to the agenda of the Siverek Municipal Council. Mayor Ali Murat Bucak said that upon requests received in previous council meetings, he investigated whether the municipal council could take a decision on this matter.

Bucak stated that it was meaningful for him that the decision came from the Siverek Municipal Council and thanked the female council members who brought the process to the agenda. Bucak said, "This is a very important issue for me. I thank our female council members who brought this to the agenda and prepared it for their efforts and hard work. It is very meaningful for me that the abolition of the bride price came from the Siverek Municipal Council."

Following the council decision, it was stated that notification regarding the abolition of the bride price would be made to the civil administration, security forces, and relevant institutions.

News Source: 12punto