Baku, December 23, AZERTAC

The Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Leaders, titled “Pressing Issues of Religious Enlightenment: Tradition, Experience, and Prospects,” organized by the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, was held in Baku.

The event brought together officials from state institutions, theologians, specialists, and over 100 religious leaders representing various confessions across Azerbaijan.

The forum began with the performance of Azerbaijan’s National Anthem, followed by a moment of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs. Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration, read President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants.

The event then featured a video presentation of the Azerbaijan Multicultural Information Network (AMIN) Project, a single e-service portal that systematically collects data about religious worship places, sanctuaries, cemeteries, specialized sales points, and religious figures across Azerbaijan.

Addressing the event, Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations of Azerbaijan, highlighted the country`s role as a bridge between civilizations and religions. He described preserving national-moral values alongside multicultural traditions as one of the principal factors that strengthen the state.

Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, emphasized the social and political stability in Azerbaijan, especially amidst the tense global political environment. He underscored the importance of religious figures’ activity and their close involvement in society, which is vital for promoting the wise initiatives of the head of state, serving global ideals and human solidarity.

Other key speakers, including Ali Ahmadov, First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis; ANAS President, Academician Isa Habibbayli; Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs; and Firudin Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Science and Education, described Azerbaijan as a country with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage and traditions of tolerance.

They emphasized that for centuries, representatives of all religions and ethnic groups have lived in peace, friendship, and mutual understanding in Azerbaijan.

They also noted that, due to President Ilham Aliyev’s successful policies, Azerbaijan has made significant achievements across all domains, particularly in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, and observing significant changes in religious and belief matters.

The speakers also addressed religious education, describing it as one of the most essential matters.

The forum continued with panel discussions.

Following the discussions, an appeal to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted on behalf of the forum participants.

In the document, the forum participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his profound appeal to the forum participants and wished him success in his great works for the progress of Azerbaijan.

The forum aimed to inform society about religious threats, foster the role of religious leaders in religious education, and explore opinions and proposals about the activities of religious communities and leaders, as well as the challenges they face.

As part of the forum, a photo exhibition entitled "The Western Azerbaijan: Maps, Exhibits, Monuments, Deportation" was also held.