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Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the historic Silk Road, Azerbaijan is a secular country where Muslims, Christians and Jews have lived and thrived in peace for centuries. Azerbaijan has a tradition of respect and tolerance for various cultures and religions. Different religious communities have been playing an active role in the country’s progress.
The Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mubariz Gurbanli expressed views in his interview for the online French news portal "Musulmans en France".
Mubariz Gurbanli underlined that religious tolerance is an important factor for the development of the state and society. Azerbaijan as a state, which is historically rich in multicultural and tolerant traditions, implements a policy of strengthening of those traditions. Non-Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha'i and other religious communities are an integral part of our society and those communities have an active role in country’s lifestyle, their churches, synagogues, places of worship and monuments are fully protected by the state.
The Chairman noted that Baku has become a platform for intercultural dialogue. Speaking about the “Baku Process” initiated by the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Gurbanli stressed that it is the only platform for dialogue between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe. He also touched the international events hosted by Azerbaijan in the area of cultural and religious tolerance.
Mr. Gurbanli also gave information about Second Summit of World Religious Leaders held in Baku, he said that it was not accidental that the leaders of various religious faiths from five continents, as well as international organizations met in the capital city of Azerbaijan.
All religions are equal and an ideal balance have been existing between secularism and religious values in the country. Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin have been living in peace and safe, perform religious rituals like other ethnic and religious minorities, the chairman highlighted in his interview.
As a response to the alleged destruction of Armenian cultural and religious monuments in Azerbaijan, he said that this is not true, on the contrary, cultural and religious sites in the territories of Azerbaijan under occupation by the Armenian armed forces were destroyed by Armenians during 30 years.
Azerbaijan restores and preserves the Christian heritage not only within but also beyond its borders. He spoke about the projects realized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the restoration of Christian religious monuments.
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has never been religious. Members of both communities will live together as citizens with full rights of the Azerbaijani state in Karabakh as before, Mr Gurbanli added.
Mr. Gurbanli addressed to French politicians at the end of his interview and said: "We call on everyone to be fair to Azerbaijan and comply with international law. Because only Azerbaijan will be supported if justice and international law are complied with”.
