A teenage bride took her own life after her husband’s family subjected her to relentless criticism over her wedding dress, accusing her of looking “naked” because her shoulders were uncovered.
Lyaman Mammadli, 19, was attacked by her new in-laws for wearing what they described as a “shameful” and “provocative” gown on her wedding day, despite it being a style commonly worn by brides.
The young woman could not endure the sustained verbal assault and soon afterwards took her own life in the garden of her parents’ family home in Mingachevir, Azerbaijan.
Her devastated father Murad Bayramov revealed his daughter had been distraught by the criticism from her husband’s family, who refused to accept that her dress was appropriate.
“My daughter’s groom and his parents caused a fight in my home because of her wedding dress,” he said. “My daughter couldn’t bear it and took her own life.”
Although Mammadli’s religion has not been reported, Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority nation where conservative attitudes towards women’s dress remain prevalent in many communities.
Argument Started After Wedding Celebration
Her father strongly denied media reports suggesting his daughter may have felt pressured into marriage with an older man, Elnur Mamedli, 33, insisting the union had been consensual.
“After the celebration, Elnur came to our home with his parents and caused a big argument,” the bereaved father explained.
“They said: ‘What a disgrace. How could you let your daughter wear such a shameful, revealing wedding dress?'”
Mr Bayramov said his family attempted to defend their daughter’s choice, pointing out that countless brides wear similar gowns without controversy.
“We replied that it was a normal gown, the kind many brides wear. But they wouldn’t calm down and kept arguing,” he said.
Sustained Campaign of Criticism
The dispute did not end after the initial confrontation, with the husband’s family continuing their verbal assault the following day.
“The dispute continued the next day,” Mr Bayramov revealed, describing how his daughter faced ongoing accusations from her new in-laws.
The husband’s parents accused her of “disgracing their son and family” through her choice of wedding attire, leaving the young bride feeling humiliated and isolated.
The bereaved father said: “My daughter couldn’t endure it. In her distress and emotional turmoil, she ended her life.”
The relentless nature of the criticism, coupled with accusations that she had brought shame upon her new family, proved too much for the 19-year-old to bear.
Husband Ejected From Funeral
Her new husband attended the funeral following his wife’s tragic death, but the distraught father said he “refused to let them stay” and “kicked them out” of the service.
The action demonstrated Mr Bayramov’s anger towards his daughter’s in-laws, whom he holds responsible for driving the teenager to take her own life through their sustained bullying.
The family’s grief has been compounded by the knowledge that Mammadli’s death came just days after what should have been one of the happiest occasions of her life.
Police Investigate Bullying Claims
Police are now investigating whether to launch a criminal case over the “bullying” of the bride before her tragic death.
Authorities are examining whether the sustained verbal assault by the husband’s family could constitute criminal harassment or psychological abuse under Azerbaijani law.
The investigation will determine if charges should be brought against those who criticised the young woman in the days leading up to her suicide.
Azerbaijan’s criminal code includes provisions against driving someone to suicide through systematic humiliation or threats, though prosecutions remain relatively rare.
Conservative Attitudes Towards Women
The tragedy highlights ongoing tensions in Azerbaijan between traditional conservative values and more modern attitudes towards women’s dress and behaviour.
Whilst the country is officially secular and has a reputation as one of the more liberal Muslim-majority nations, conservative attitudes persist in many families and communities.
Women in Azerbaijan generally enjoy greater freedoms than in neighbouring Iran, but face pressure to conform to traditional expectations regarding modesty, particularly in rural areas and religious families.
The debate over appropriate dress for women remains contentious across the South Caucasus region, with generational divides often creating friction within families.
Wider Pattern of Control
Women’s rights advocates have pointed to the case as an example of how controlling behaviour by in-laws can contribute to psychological abuse of young brides in traditional societies.
The expectation that brides must conform to their husband’s family’s standards, even regarding deeply personal choices like wedding attire, places enormous pressure on young women entering marriage.
Critics argue that such incidents demonstrate the need for greater awareness about psychological abuse and its devastating consequences for victims.
The tragedy has sparked discussions on Azerbaijani social media about the treatment of young brides and the extent to which families should dictate women’s clothing choices.
Mental Health Crisis
The case also highlights broader concerns about mental health support and suicide prevention in Azerbaijan, where discussion of psychological issues remains taboo in many communities.
Young women facing family conflicts or social pressure may struggle to access professional support or feel unable to discuss their distress with others.
The stigma surrounding mental health problems can prevent vulnerable individuals from seeking help before reaching crisis point.
Advocates have called for improved mental health services and greater public awareness about warning signs of suicidal ideation, particularly among young people.
The investigation into Mammadli’s death continues as authorities determine whether criminal charges are warranted against those who subjected her to sustained criticism over her wedding dress.
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