SABIRABAD, Azerbaijan — Authorities in the Sabirabad district have reportedly put an end to the long-standing tradition of holding elaborate funeral feasts, known locally as ehsan. According to reports circulating on social media, mourning ceremonies in the region will now consist solely of tea offerings, with large spreads of food officially discontinued.
This quiet yet significant shift in tradition mirrors a similar move recently implemented in the neighboring Saatli district, suggesting that a broader cultural and administrative shift is underway across rural Azerbaijan.
While no formal government decree has been issued, the trend reflects growing public and religious support for reducing the financial burden on grieving families and returning the focus of funerals to their spiritual and communal essence rather than public displays of hospitality.
A Tradition Under Pressure
For generations, ehsan meals have been a staple of mourning practices in Azerbaijan, particularly in rural areas. Traditionally held on the third, seventh, and fortieth days after a person’s death, these ceremonies often include dozens—sometimes hundreds—of guests, complete with lavish meals featuring meat dishes, rice pilaf, and a variety of side courses.
But over time, what began as a gesture of respect and collective remembrance has, for many, become a costly social obligation. Families—especially those of modest means—often feel compelled to take out loans or borrow from neighbors to host a proper ehsan, fearing judgment or shame if they fall short of community expectations.
Religious leaders and civic activists have long criticized the practice as excessive and un-Islamic, noting that Islam encourages modesty in mourning and emphasizes support, not spectacle.
Public Reaction Divided
The move has been met with mixed reactions online. Many social media users and commentators have applauded the initiative as timely and compassionate.
“Grief should not be a financial burden,” one Facebook user wrote. “Serving tea is more than enough to show respect for the deceased.”
Others, however, view the change as a violation of cultural tradition and an overreach by local authorities.
“Why are they telling people how to mourn?” asked one critic on Telegram. “If a family wants to feed guests, that’s their business.”
A Broader Social Shift
Experts note that this new policy—though currently informal—could mark the beginning of a national rethinking of mourning customs, especially as economic pressures continue to mount in many parts of Azerbaijan.
“This is not just about cutting costs,” explains sociologist Leyla Mammadova. “It’s about realigning our social practices with modern realities. Families are suffering under the weight of these expectations. Reform is overdue.”
Mammadova also highlights the psychological toll of grief compounded by financial stress: “When loss is followed by debt, how can there be healing?”
What Comes Next?
As more districts weigh similar reforms, some are calling for the national government to provide clearer guidance or legislation. Others argue that cultural change must come from within communities themselves, led by religious figures and respected elders.
Whatever the path forward, the conversation is clearly shifting—from what is traditionally expected, to what is socially and economically sustainable.
For now, a cup of tea may serve as a quiet but powerful symbol of change: one that respects the dead, without overwhelming the living.
