ANKARA - A parliamentary committe initiates a study on early marriages in Turkey. "Thirty percent of marriages take place in the age group of 12-19s" says the head of the committee, who claims this is a reality in Turkey. The study is a first despite numerous research on women.

A subcommittee formed of five parliamentarians will talk with officials from the Education, Health, Justice and Interior ministries as well as officials from the Religious Affairs Directorate. The members of the committee will then go to seven regions to make observations in the field. The committee will prepare a report describing the problem and offering solutions.

Recalling that 30 percent of marriages in Turkey are in the 12- to 19-year-old age group, Öznur Çalýk, president of the committee, told the Anatolian News Agency that marriages at an early age is a reality in Turkey and that there is a general consensus in society on this issue. "In order to ensure the well being of individuals and society, we need to proceed without provoking this consensus and avoid creating unease," Malatya deputy Çalýk said. "We need to share this problem with the society in an evolutional transformation."

There is a need to understand why marriages are taking place at such early ages and the moral and material reasons behind them, said Çalýk from the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP. "We need to see the serious complications that come out of these marriages, physical problems that lead to difficulties later in life."According to Çalýk, one of the arguments against early marriages is health problems, both physical and psychological. "Marriage at an early age brings with it birthing at a young age. We need to especially focus on complications suffered by young girls."

Another serious consequence of early marriage is the high death toll among those who give birth at an early age, according to Çalýk. "The rate of death toll among young mothers is higher. We need to explain clearly this situation to society. Early marriage is a violation of human rights, women’s rights and children’s rights. We put heavy responsibility on the shoulders of children who are still at playing age. We need to see that we also don’t take away their right to an education."

Recalling that marriages of those below 17 are not considered "official" according to civil law, Çalýk said it is difficult to detect unofficial early marriages.According to unofficial research, 80 percent of marriages at an early age are by girls. According to Çalýk, there is a general view in the society that education can solve the problem and support from local administrators, muftis, teachers and parents is required.

"We need to have a higher participation in education. The campaigns for more girls in school are very effective. We need to have the local opinion leaders, teachers and religious officials informing the public about the risks of early marriage."

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Marrying at 12? Giving birth at 13? OMG!!!

"Thirty percent of marriages take place in the age group of 12-19s" says the head of the committee, who claims this is a reality in Turkey. The study is a first despite numerous research on women."

Just my two cents worth - I would roll over dead before I let either of my children get married in this age group!!  I don´t think there is any need to get married before 25! 

12? :O That´s waaaaaaay too early!

Lis, I am not going to let my little one marry until he´s at least 40 And I´m going to be a really awful potential mother-in-law to keep those bed girls away

 lol we will have to talk with you again then when he is 18 or something inþallah and see what would you think about it  lolllll

From what i hear one ´ parents´ would match make too if s/he can lol

Seriously, i believe anytime after 21 would be acceptable before that should be denied.

Ým not just talking about customs or traditions but also about 2 people falling in love and want to get marry.

Before 21 its ridiculous, with pressure like off Mammy, daddy but i love him/her...21 would be allowed, but still

They would have all the time in the world so why the rush ?!

27 is more than fine..

Both are mature, have experience, know exactly what they want.

 In all meanings?

 Ãf i got you correctly, then...no

Not in all meanings, somethings kept for later...in our religion, customs and traditions at least

 Dammit DD!!!   I thought we were going to see the first TC arranged marriage between your terrorist and Lis´s princess but if you are going to make him wait until he is 40.............poor girl can´t be expected to wait that long!!!

Well, I´d PMd her offering a reasonable dowry but she replied that she wouldn´t give me an answer before she considers other offers Apparently she believes she may come across something better than my generous promise to get her FF´s secret soup recipe

I agree with Canli about 21 being a suitable age to marry in the letter of the law and 27 being the real age people should start considering marriage

 Well, I hope you don´t mind that I (and many others) tried if the shoes fit before buying them?