President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated on Saturday the Bibiheybat mosque shrine complex near capital Baku after it was completely overhauled and expanded.

The President, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughters Leyla and Arzu first toured the shrine complex.

The Presidential family were accompanied by Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims` Board Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade who told them a museum and library were created in the complex as part of its enlargement.

The 7th-century shrine is the third holiest site in Islam in terms of the number of sacred graves - four members of Prophet Muhammad`s family are buried here.

In 1934 the holy shrine was ruined by Bolsheviks.

In 1998 the major building of the complex was repaired by a decree of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev.

Nine years later, in 2007, President Ilham Aliyev ordered a complete overhaul and expansion of the whole sanctuary.

As a result, the interior surface of the Mosque was decorated with various Ayahs from the Holy Quran, and the dome with mosaics, smalt and stained glass. The sanctuary also got several new rooms, a place for sacrifice and a special room for the washing of dead bodies.

Afterwards, the President viewed tombs of Hazrati Hokuma, aunt of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, and three grandchildren of the Imam.

The President then viewed the mosque`s basement capable to hold up to 3,000 worshippers.

Speaking to the official inauguration, the President said the revival of the national traditions and spiritual values began after the national leader Heydar Aliyev’s return to political power in Azerbaijan. “Thanks to the great leader’s efforts, stability was established in the country and the period of its development began,” he said.

The President noted that Heydar Aliyev’s policy is now going on in all areas in Azerbaijan.

“We are adherent to this policy, Azerbaijan is following the way pointed by him,” he said.

“Today, we can proudly speak of achievements in all fields - in terms of economy, resolving social problems and realization of huge infrastructure projects,” the President said.

“Our country has great capabilities to influence the processes taking place in the entire region. Azerbaijan has won wonderful international reputation. The number of the countries wishing to cooperate with us and join our projects is growing increasingly,” he emphasized.

“We are very happy that representatives of all nationalities, all religions in Azerbaijan live as a single family contributing to the overall progress of the Motherland. It is our property. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

Other speakers included Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Head of Baku and All-Caspian Orthodox Eparchy father Alexander, head of the Religious Community of Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan Semyon Ikhilov, and head of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Jan Capla.

Afterwards, President Ilham Aliyev toured the museum inside the shrine where he viewed photos reflecting history of the Bibiheybat mosque. Here, the President and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were presented with a Quran.

######