Recently, Iranian authorities imposed restrictions on the use of online dating services, which they characterized as "immoral." Approximately 55% of Iran's 77 million population is under the age of 30. Reports indicate that in recent years, due to the economic situation in Iran, many young people have postponed their plans for marriage. Is this trend also present among the Southern Azerbaijanis, who make up more than a third of Iran's population? Southern activist Sevil Suleymani discussed this issue in a Skype interview with Voice of America.
According to Sevil Suleymani, online dating websites, which have become popular in Iran over the last 10-15 years, have been met with interest, similar to other parts of the world. She divides internet communication platforms in Iran into two categories: “These include international social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Viber, which Azerbaijani youth use extensively for communication. Additionally, there are dating sites created by the government itself. Young people use these platforms for exchanging ideas, sharing pictures and videos. Iranian society is a closed society, and because of state pressures, young people prefer communicating online rather than meeting in person. Online communication is easier, safer, and less problematic, which is why young people prefer it. This trend is also spreading and growing among Azerbaijani youth."
Sevil Suleymani noted that in Iran, there are limited opportunities for young boys and girls to meet openly. She explained that in smaller cities, compared to larger ones, there are fewer such opportunities. "That is why they tend to prefer online communication," said Sevil Suleymani, noting the growing popularity of Facebook among young Azerbaijanis. According to her, Azerbaijani youth extensively use social networks like Facebook and Viber for communication and messaging.
In recent times, due to the economic situation in Iran, there has been a widespread delay in marriage plans among young people. What impact does the economic situation have on Azerbaijani youth? Sevil Suleymani explains: “The economic situation has direct and significant effects on Azerbaijanis. When talking about direct impacts, we must mention the increase in education levels and the influence of urban life standards, which lead to higher demands. These standards cannot be met given Iran’s current economic and social situation. As a result, the age of marriage continues to rise. People are reluctant to marry when they cannot meet their own minimum standards. We see an increasing marriage age in the younger generation. However, there are also those among ordinary people who are satisfied with the minimum level. They do not strive for a higher standard of living. Among this group, despite economic difficulties, the age for marriage has not increased."
Sevil Suleymani stated that the economic situation in Iran is causing many young Azerbaijani men to emigrate, which in turn affects the marriage prospects of Azerbaijani girls and women: “Another factor influencing Azerbaijanis economically is emigration. The economic situation has led many Azerbaijani youth and men to emigrate. Emigration, in turn, affects women’s lifestyle and their prospects for marriage. Women no longer have the same opportunities for marriage as before.”
According to Sevil Suleymani, although women and girls prefer using online dating services, they also face risks and threats associated with the internet: “Of course, these threats exist for men as well, but women face greater threats because in our societies, women are more vulnerable. A woman’s photo used in dating or even a small joke can later be used against her as a serious threat. However, despite this, women prefer online dating because it offers more freedom and less restriction. If we look at Facebook, we see a large number of female users.”
Sevil, how does the economic situation affect young people’s marriage plans? What can be said about the situation in Azerbaijan’s cities and villages?
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Sevil Süleymani: İranda iqtisadi durum azərbaycanlı gənclərin ailə qurmaq perspektivlərinə təsir göstərir