El isteme ceremony involves groom's family asking bride's father for her hand. Söz kesmek ceremony involves exchanging simple rings with red ribbon. Bride's family prepares salt-flavored coffee for groom during el isteme. Nişan bohcası contains practical wedding gifts before engagement
Marriage is fundamental to Turkish society and family structure. Traditional marriage ages are around 22 for men and 20 for women. Marriage customs vary by region and cultural background
Traditional marriages include levirat (brother-in-law to widow sister-in-law) and sororat (sister-in-law to sister). Modern marriages include taygeldi (widow-widower, child-child) and iç güveysi (man staying with woman). Polygamy (multiple wives) practiced in some regions for infertile or sick wives