Peregraf- Ammar Aziz
Bukhari Ibrahim is of marriageable age, but what he has is only his daily wage work income, which in a month doesn't even cover the cost of buying a small piece of gold.
"Marriage necessitates a minimum of $10,000. Currently, I do not possess that amount. If there were any assistance available, I might be able to commence the marriage process," stated Bukhari, a 29-year-old graduate of a technical institute who is employed in a market.
Bukhari's earnings are insufficient to cover the expenses associated with marriage—not only for housing, furniture, and daily living essentials, but he is also unable to afford even a small piece of gold, which is a traditional and fundamental requirement in many marriage customs, due to the high price of gold.
Although the price of gold fluctuates, it has significantly increased compared to several years ago, prompting some young men and women in Duhok to consider marriage through debt. This entails that the required quantity of gold is stipulated in their marriage contracts as the groom's obligation until the price decreases, allowing him to purchase it for his bride.
This concept resonates with Bukhari Ibrahim, who requests that young women be understanding. "Every young man aspires to build a married life, but under these circumstances, it is exceedingly challenging, particularly as the price of gold continues to rise. Consequently, some women include a specific amount of gold as a debt in the marriage contract, which is a positive development."
According to the latest statistics from the markets in the Kurdistan Region, the price of one mithqal of 21-carat gold is currently over 665,000 dinars ($475), whereas in 2021, the price was 370,000 dinars ($264).
“Following the rise in gold prices, many young women in Duhok have begun to include gold as a debt in their marriage contracts. Two of my maternal cousins entered into marriage under these terms; they requested a specific quantity of gold, which their husbands were unable to afford, resulting in it being recorded as a debt in the contract. They are obligated to purchase it whenever they have the means,” stated Hozan Ahmad, a young woman from Duhok who is yet to marry.
Until several years ago, particularly prior to the significant financial crisis, the demand for excessive gold had become a prevalent custom in certain marriages in Duhok. Extraordinary and astonishing tales circulated, with some individuals mentioning requests for as much as one kilogram of gold or even more.
Hozan recounted the story of a relative who proposed to a girl, only to be met with a demand exceeding $10,000, so that he could purchase gold when its price decreased. "There are countless examples. In some instances, gold or money has been treated as a debt due to the challenging circumstances people face."
She personally opposes the practice of including gold as debt, as she believes it leads to complications. "No one can predict what a person's situation will be like in a year or even in a few months. Their circumstances might deteriorate to the point where they cannot even cover their daily expenses, let alone buy gold." Hozan referenced a Kurdish proverb that states, "What does not come before your wedding will not come after your wedding either."
Traditionally, the marriage process has included 19 mithqals of immediate gold and 19 mithqals of deferred gold, known as dowry (mahr). Although religious and civil laws do not mandate the type of dowry, it is contingent upon the agreement between the husband and wife.
Younis Ahmad, a goldsmith in Duhok, affirmed that some young women and men are indeed including gold as debt. "We have encountered several cases, but currently, the numbers are low due to the complications that arise. Another factor is the high price of gold, which shows no signs of decreasing."
The issue of gold debt is not limited to just girls and boys; it sometimes extends to goldsmiths as well. Younis Ahmad remarked, "I am aware of numerous issues regarding this matter that have arisen between husbands and wives subsequently. As a result, security agencies, the goldsmiths' union, and the court became involved to address these issues, because at the time of dowry determination, there must be an official document bearing the signature and seal of the goldsmith, indicating the agreed amount of gold and the schedule for its delivery - specifying how much will be provided before marriage and how much will follow afterward.
The challenge extends beyond gold; all household items are costly, especially in light of people's circumstances and the ongoing salary crisis, which is often delayed, coupled with the current discord between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government regarding expenditures. Consequently, the market remains weak, and the livelihoods of the people are adversely affected.
Imran Yassin, a lawyer with a specific case concerning debt marriage, shared with Peregraf: "A woman from the Akre district married a young man. In their marriage contract, the girl stipulated a request for 25 mithqals of gold as a debt. Several months went by, and the young man was still unable to procure it for her. The girl grew frustrated with him and ultimately insisted that before they cohabited, he must purchase it for her; otherwise, they would seek separation in court. However, the young man failed to buy it, and they ultimately parted ways."
In the previous year, over 51,000 marriage registrations were recorded in the courts of the Kurdistan Region, with more than 12,000 occurring in Duhok. Conversely, there were 12,384 divorces, including over 2,000 cases in Duhok, as reported by the Kurdistan Judicial Council statistics.
"Numerous separation cases have arisen regarding the same issue. Legally, there is no concern - it resembles a promissory note; it is acceptable if the man initially cannot afford to purchase gold or any other items specified in the contract, provided he does not deceive the woman and later fulfills this obligation," stated the lawyer.
He further disclosed that when issues arise, particularly if the woman seeks to assert her rights and recover her debt, the man may refuse to repay, leading the matter to escalate to court.
Imran Yassin advises both boys and girls to avoid incurring debts that they may later struggle to repay. "They should only commit to what they can afford. Avoid including debts or obligations in the contract, as this will ultimately lead to complications and difficulties... because the essence of marriage is to establish a home, not to create problems."