Relatives' marriage banned in Azerbaijan, weddings decreased

Since the law banning marriages between relatives came into effect in Azerbaijan in July 2025, the number of weddings has significantly decreased. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

For example, while more than 5,000 marriages were registered in June, this figure dropped to 2,694 in July. Experts associate these changes closely with the enforcement of the law prohibiting marriages between close relatives.

According to the law, marriage is completely prohibited between children of brothers and sisters who share a common grandfather or grandmother, as well as between biological cousins. The main goal of this law is to reduce the number of children born with genetic defects and to ensure a healthy generation.

Medical specialists emphasize that marriages between relatives often lead to hereditary diseases, which negatively affect the health of future generations. According to data from the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan, from January to July 2025, 12,146 divorce cases were recorded in the country, a slight decrease compared to the previous year.

The divorce rate per 1,000 people dropped from 2.1 to 2.0. In accordance with the new law, individuals applying for marriage registration are required to submit their birth certificates and their parents' documents to determine the degree of kinship.

If a violation of the law is detected, administrative or criminal liability will be imposed for such cases. These regulations serve to build a healthy and stable society.