Anatolia- polygamy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/this_world/4165896.stm

In this devoutly Muslim region, it is estimated that nearly a quarter of all
marriages are polygamous.

Her marriage will soon be arranged by her father, who has three wives
himself, and her price negotiated with the groom's family.

Melihat knows she is regarded purely as an economic asset: "They sell girls
like animals; we're not treated as human beings."

Some are sold into marriage as young as 12 years old. Girls who run away are
simply killed, in what are euphemistically called "honour" killings.

Unsurprisingly there are few prepared to speak out against these practices.

Ayla has recently uncovered a disturbing side effect of polygamy and
inbreeding.

'A quiet affair'

Repeated intermarrying within families, typically between first and second
cousins, has produced abnormally high rates of children with Downs Syndrome
and Mediterranean anaemia.

Ayse is Resat's cousin, but nobody in his village sees anything wrong with
it.

Filthy backward muslims !


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