Marriage process in Ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolia

Marriage and the marriage process form the basis of the family structure in society and show some similarities and differences from past to present. In some societies, the fundamental rights and freedoms of men and women are ignored during the marriage process, while in some societies they are addressed in more detail. Existing written sources reveal that the marriage process in Ancient Mesopotamian and Anatolian societies varied regionally and periodically. In this study, the marriage process in Ancient Mesopotamian and Anatolian societies was examined and evaluated, especially through historical cuneiform documents. The study essentially consists of an Introduction and three main sections. In the First Chapter, the subjects of engagement and engagement gifts, which are the first step of the marriage process in Ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolian societies and are accompanied by various gifts from the groom, are discussed in detail. In the Second Chapter, the content of the dowry that the girl receives from her father's house during the marriage process and the rights to use this dowry are discussed. In the Third Chapter, the issue of marriage is discussed in general and the fundamental rights and freedoms of men and women are examined in detail. In this way, it is observed that the institution of marriage is based on solid foundations and the rights between the parties are determined.