Official Data: Divorce Rates Soar in Kurdistan

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Official Data: Divorce Rates Soar in Kurdistan

The concerned courts in Kurdistan, Iraq, revealed official divorce statistics for 2017-2018. Figures from the Court of Cassation showed that divorce rates in the region during this period were three times higher than in 2016.

The statistics showed that the divorces recorded in Erbil's Personal Status Court amounted to 2,985 cases in 2017, and rose to 3, 598 cases in 2018, marking an increase of 613 cases.

In Sulaymaniyah, the largest governorate in terms of population, divorce rates were 1,360 in 2017 and jumped to 4,085 in 2018. Duhok ranked third with 1,384 divorces a year earlier and an obvious rise to 1509 in 2018.

The statistics also highlighted the marriages registered in 2018, with more than 15,000 in Erbil, including 36 second marriages by men; in Sulaymaniyah, marriages amounted to 13836, including 48 second marriages, while Dohuk saw 10,902 marriages, of which 89 were second ones.

Social experts and researchers attribute divorce and separation, especially among young newlyweds, to many reasons. The most important among those reasons is unemployment resulting from the economic crisis that dominated the region in the last five years, and left thousands of youths without work and financially burdened.

Social researcher Shirin Karamiani stresses that unemployment is not the only cause behind the ascending divorce rates; other reasons, such as youth's submission to their feelings and instant desires may lead them to marriage without considering their relationship or developing marriage essentials. Therefore, most marriages based on rushed decisions end up with divorce and separation.

"Young men and women should evaluate their relationship carefully and rationally before marriage, to secure a healthy continuance of their union. The bride's family should avoid unnecessary luxurious demands that often burden the groom with heavy debts, that may lead to familial and social conflicts after marriage leading to divorce," she told Asharq Al-Awsat.

For his part, Burhan Ali, chairperson of Kurdistan's Men Union, saw that the lack of harmony between couples and their families is the most prominent reason behind the high rates of divorce.

Ali said the Union conducted a study based on surveys and samples from all governorates. It showed that 39% of divorces were caused by the lack of harmony between couples, especially the newlyweds, and that 19% of divorces resulted from the bride insistence on living in an independent house away from her groom's family; in most cases, this exposes the husband to financial difficulties, then, conflicts occur, and things often end up with separation.

Ali also said that 10% of divorces are attributed to infidelity, especially by men, as well as the misuse of modern communications devices, particularly smartphones, which have been shown to cause 19% of divorces. According to the study, the second marriage due to the lack of children, first wife's illness, a desire for polygamy, age gap, and other reasons, account for 8% of all divorces.



Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
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Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA

The Kingdom's Aseer region is currently experiencing the bountiful Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees, SPA reported.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey.
Sidr honey, renowned for its numerous health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system. The unique taste and aroma of this honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally.
Beekeepers in Tihama Aseer have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SAR350 to SAR500 per kilogram. The region's diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative aim to improve beekeeping practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey and contribute to the global market.