The organization of mourning ceremonies in Azerbaijan, especially the hosting of lavish condolence banquets, has been one of the most discussed topics in society for many years. Recently, in various regions of the country, the cancellation of mass condolence banquets to prevent extravagance and reduce the financial burden on the bereaved has become widespread.
Medianews.az, citing a report by Metbuat.az, states that in recent years the mourning tents have seemingly turned into a competitive arena, causing serious dissatisfaction in society. To solve this problem, decisive steps are already being taken at the regional level, and in many districts, lavish condolence banquets are becoming a thing of the past.
The most sustainable example regarding condolence practices in Azerbaijan is demonstrated by the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. According to internal rules implemented years ago in Nakhchivan, the tradition of serving mass meals at mourning ceremonies has been completely eliminated. Regardless of administrative and social changes, the local population strictly adheres to these rules today; at mourning places, only tea and dates or halva served alongside tea are offered to people.
The successful experience of Nakhchivan and the mass calls from society in recent years have also spurred other regions of the republic into action. By local internal decisions, with the joint opinion of district elders, religious figures, and community representatives, the number of districts refusing lavish condolence banquets is rapidly increasing.
Recently, the following districts have officially announced or are seriously enforcing this decision:
Quba district: In a meeting held with the participation of district intellectuals, religious figures, war veterans, and elders, the people of Quba made a joint decision to organize mourning gatherings only with tea tables.
Gakh district: By a special decree covering the district center and all villages, the serving of meals at mourning ceremonies has been completely stopped.
Imishli district: In the district's villages and center, with the support of religious figures, lavish condolences have been eliminated, and the tradition of holding ceremonies only with tea, dates, and halva has been established.
Sabirabad, Saatly, and Kurdamir districts: In these Aran districts, too, by the initiative of local communities, the serving of meals at condolence tables has stopped, and simplicity has started to be favored.
Sumgayit city: In Sumgayit, one of the major industrial cities, the process of replacing lavish condolence gatherings with tea tables has begun to prevent extravagance. However, cases of organizing lavish mourning ceremonies in the city's event halls are still encountered.
In addition, in many villages and settlements of the Shamakhy, Ismayilli, Oguz, Agsu, Bilasuvar, Samukh, and Balakan districts, local authorities, municipalities, and village elders seriously advise residents on this matter. In many areas, these recommendations have already taken on the status of an unwritten law. To avoid financial harm to the bereaved, village representatives and religious figures, after prior discussions with the family, ensure that only tea is served at the table. This positive trend is expected to cover other large cities and the capital in the near future.