AZE.US
International marriages in Azerbaijan are becoming more common, but noticeable differences remain between men’s and women’s choices of foreign spouses. Sociologists say religion, tradition and social expectations continue to influence these patterns.
International marriages are gradually becoming more common in Azerbaijan, but the patterns of such unions differ significantly between men and women.
According to official statistics, 1,570 marriages with foreign citizens were registered in Azerbaijan during the first nine months of 2025. Of these, 712 marriages involved Azerbaijani women marrying foreign nationals.
Analysts note that Azerbaijani women most often marry men from Turkey, Arab countries, Iran and Pakistan. Azerbaijani men, meanwhile, tend to choose spouses from Russia, Ukraine and Georgia.
Sociologist Ulvi Taghiyev says these differences are largely shaped by religious norms and social expectations.
According to Islamic tradition, Muslim women are generally not permitted to marry non-Muslim men, while Muslim men are allowed to marry women from the so-called “People of the Book,” including Christians and Jews.
Taghiyev explains that this norm developed historically in societies where the religious identity of the family and children was determined by the father.
Although Azerbaijan is a secular state, social traditions and religious considerations still play a role in family decisions.
“When forming a family, factors such as parental approval, religious compatibility and the future religious upbringing of children often influence women’s choices more strongly,” the sociologist noted.
He added that patriarchal social structures also contribute to the difference.
“Religious rules formally apply to both genders, but in practice they tend to be enforced more strictly for women. In many cases this becomes less a religious rule and more a social expectation,” Taghiyev said.
Legally, Azerbaijani women have the right to marry individuals of any religion. However, in practice, social pressure and cultural traditions can still shape how such decisions are made.