An educational event titled "Tolerance and Multicultural Values in Islam in the Context of History and Modernity" was held at the Caucasus Muslims Board's House of Tolerance. The event discussed the historical roots and contemporary development trends of inter-religious harmony in Azerbaijan.
Dr. Agil Shirinov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, made a presentation, stating that the principles of tolerance, mutual respect, and a multicultural approach are at the core of Islam. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's model of religious relations, based on these values, has a long history and continues to be successful today. Shirinov noted that Azerbaijan's examples of tolerance are followed with great interest not only domestically but also internationally. He cited places like the Red Village in Guba and the village of Nij in Gabala, where different religious and ethnic groups live in harmony, as examples of our country's multicultural culture.
The speaker also noted that the principle of secularism is successfully applied in the Azerbaijani model, stating that the separation of state and religion does not mean the denial of religion's role in social life. On the contrary, this model creates conditions for the free development of religions, protects religious diversity, and ensures stability in society. Referring to the sectarian wars in Europe, he noted that the main goal of our country's secular model is to ensure peace and mutual respect in society without turning religious belief into a political ideology.
Agil Shirinov also stressed that the sectarian discrimination found in many parts of the Islamic world does not exist in Azerbaijan's religious life. As a prime example of this, he presented the joint worship of both Sunni and Shia worshippers in our mosques as a rare and exemplary case in the world.
Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Dr. Fuad Nurullayev, conveyed the greetings of the CMB Chairman, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, to the event participants. In his speech, he emphasized that Azerbaijan's multicultural values are based not only on ideology but also on real-life experience. The Deputy Chairman enriched the discussion on the relations between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious leaders with concrete examples, noting that this unity is demonstrated not only in words but also in deeds.
Fuad Nurullayev specifically highlighted the importance of preventing the politicization of religion. He recalled the significant role played by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade during the January 20 events in 1990, stating that this event showed that the religious leader stood with the people but demonstrated his loyalty to Azerbaijan's secular path by refusing to tie the movement to religious motives.
The event participants proved with facts that the environment of tolerance in Azerbaijan exists not just in words but in daily life.
The event also emphasized Azerbaijan's role as a model for other countries in inter-religious dialogue. Finally, the importance of continuing such discussions with youth was noted.

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