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Dotes: Una tradición que está cambiando en Azerbaiyán [1]

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Date: 2022-09-20

Ulkar: I have very few items as a dowry. These are antiques left by my mother and grandmother from their dowries and the scarf I am wearing. For the dowry, my mother bought a tablecloth and a few towels. My husband and I told our parents that there was no need to spend extra money on dowry and weddings. With these funds, we can build a more profitable business for our future. But at the request of my father-in-law, we definitely had to buy gold jewellery. Because it is an accepted custom in society. It would not have been possible without it.

Gulsara: When I was a teenager, I told my mother that there was no need to purchase dowry. I didn't want my parents to spend too much money on things. My mother gave me a Guba carpet (traditional and valuable handmade carpet). In addition, I also received antiques that belonged to my mother and grandmother, copper utensils. I have a memory of family heirlooms that reflected the folk culture and my family’s traditions. These were valuable to me. We will buy what we need as we need it after our marriage as long as my husband and I live together.

Afsana: I plan to start a family in the near future, which is why my mother is already purchasing small household items for a dowry. She made a list of what is needed and almost everything necessary for everyday life has been purchased. I'm not very adept with dowry preparations. I left this job to my mother and sister. The basic kitchenware — gadgets, dishes, towels, and tablecloths — are almost ready.

We will probably buy furniture and kitchen appliances before the wedding. Maybe there will be no need, if we move to a fully furnished rental. I think that the pandemic has greatly affected dowry traditions. If five to ten years ago families bought a lot for a dowry, during the pandemic they tried to be more considerate. When I asked newlyweds about their marriage preparations, they said that they managed to live with less money and savings. There were even some who did not have a wedding party at all. I am also trying to be considerate and cost-effective. I think that extra things are an unnecessary expense.

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[1] Url: https://es.globalvoices.org/2022/09/20/dotes-una-tradicion-que-esta-cambiando-en-azerbaiyan/

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