CULTURE
Easter celebrated in Gabala, Azerbaijan
Gabala, May 6 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan`s Udin ethnic minority in Gabala district has celebrated Easter and traditional Kala Akhsibay holiday.
Hundreds of Christian Udins were joined by representatives of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations and local executive authorities for the celebrations which took place in the Albanian church in Nij village.
Speakers at the event, including the priest of the church and members of the Albanian-Udin Christian Community highlighted the history and meaning of Easter. They praised attention paid to Udin community by the government of Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyev.
The traditions of the Udins have been revived recently after a gap of 172 years.
The Udins are thought to be direct descendants of the Caucasian Albanians and some of the last surviving members of the Caucasian Albanian Church.
The Albanian church in Nij was restored and reopened in 2002.