Arranged Marriages

Sandzak is historical geo political region set in the Balkan peninsula currently divided between Serbia and Montenegro. Though it was the birthplace of modern Serbia, today it is largely populated by Slavic-Muslims.  It is interesting to point out that Sandzak was the last stronghold of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, withstanding until 1912. The local population therefore remains strongly attached to modern Turkey in many ways and many customs dating back to this era have been preserved. One of these old customs is a series of annual events called “Sabors” traditionally organized in order to facilitate the local youths to arrange marriages. While this practice is less widespread today the tradition has not died out and during the summer, the only time of year Sandzak is not under a very deep snow cover these events are held usually on a large filed next to a mosque someplace in between the many dispersed villages. The young men and women are brought here by their parents and are left to mingle for the day in order to perhaps meet the women or man of their dreams.