13.05.2026 13:31
In Şırnak, a decision was signed by some tribes including a clause stating that "women will not lead the halay." At the wedding of Tahya Encu's son, a prominent figure from the Goyan tribe who did not sign the decision, special invitations were sent to some women asking them to lead the halay. At the wedding attended by approximately 10,000 people, women led the halay while Encu said, "Women are the crown of our heads. They are always at the forefront."
A set of rules was determined in the decision signed by some tribes in the Uludere district of Şırnak, aiming to reduce wedding expenses and facilitate marriage for young people. The signed text stated that the saz band would be paid no more than 60,000 TL, the camera crew no more than 30,000 TL, the bride would not be dressed in a wedding gown, and no platform would be set up behind the bride and groom. It was noted that no more than 3 people would go to the hairdresser with the bride, no more than 3 people would attend the shoots, and no one would dance in front of the bride and groom during the wedding.
The decision also included that no dessert or saz band would be brought to the bride's house during the proposal, outsiders would not hold henna nights with music in the village, envelopes would be given per groom in the villages, only 100 grams of gold would be taken for the wedding, and no suitcase or luggage shopping would be done under the name 'engagement' before the wedding. The decision also included the clause: 'Women will not dance at the head of the halay.'
DESPITE THE BAN, WOMEN TOOK THE LEAD IN THE HALAY A wedding was held in Gülyazı village for Şahin Encu, son of Yahya Encu, a prominent figure of the Goyan tribe who did not sign the decision, and Merişan Aşan. The wedding, held on an area of approximately 10 acres, was attended by Deputy Governor Murat Çiçek, businessman Osman Baylaz, Jirki tribe leaders Tahir Adıyaman and Cemil Öter, former MP Rizgin Birlik, Uludere District Gendarmerie Commander İbrahim Biçici, Babat tribe chief Şehmus Babat, Hilal Town Mayor Cevher Benek, Uzungeçit Town Mayor Sadık Yıldırım, public institution directors, NGO representatives, and many guests.
The wedding, which lasted until late at night and was attended by approximately 10,000 people, was captured by drone. Despite the decision, special invitations were sent to some women asking them to take the lead in the halay. Many women took the front row in the halay.
"WOMEN ARE OUR CROWN" The bride's father, Yahya Encu, said in his speech at the wedding, "May God be pleased with everyone. We try to be worthy of these people's love. I am very proud, very happy. Women are the crown of our heads. Without women, we would not exist. Women take part everywhere, they are always at the front."
"I THINK THERE SHOULD BE NO BANS" Hamiyet Ağma Çetin, who led the halay, said, "Our brother Yahya Encu is a brother who values women. I find it very meaningful that women are at the head of the halay. Weddings are one of the most beautiful parts of our culture. Women add wonderful color to this. I think there should be no bans."