Within the framework of the 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Plenary Session of the International Scientific-Practical Conference dedicated to the renowned Azerbaijani thinker and scholar Sheikh Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani (15th century) was held at the Gulistan Palace.
As reported by AZERTAC, the co-organisers of the 1st International Scientific-Practical Conference held under the topic "The Peak of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi in the Cultural Heritage of the Islamic World: Moderate Values and Contemporary Challenges" are, together with the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB) and the OTS, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, ISESCO, IRCICA and the Muslim Council of Elders.
Opening the event with an introductory address, the Chairman of the CMB, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, expressed, on behalf of the conference participants, his deep respect and gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the supreme patronage extended to the realisation of the International Conference held within the framework of the 7th Meeting of the OTS Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards, which brought together nearly 200 participants — state, religious, academic and public figures representing nearly 40 countries and 18 international organisations and centres.
The CMB Chairman noted that the moderate Sufi philosophy of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, who made great efforts to convey Islam — the religion of Truth — to people as it truly is, is based primarily on the principles of spiritual perfection, human brotherhood, tolerance and universal solidarity. It is no coincidence, he added, that Bakuvi's philosophical legacy has been recognised at the UNESCO level and has gained global significance. According to Pashazade, Bakuvi's philosophical views influenced millions of people across a wide geography stretching from Anatolia to the Balkans, from the Middle East to North Africa, and from the Caucasus to Central Asia: "The tomb of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, preserved as a historic monument within the Shirvanshahs' Palace Complex in Icherisheher, Baku, has become a place of pilgrimage for both local residents and visitors from abroad. The study and promotion of the Bakuvi legacy — one of the finest sources of the moderate values so greatly needed in our time — undoubtedly holds universal human and pan-Islamic value."
Addressing the event, OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Muhammad Abdulsalam, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations Ramin Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, Director-General of IRCICA Mahmut Erol Kılıç, Director of the UNESCO Sector for Partnerships and International Cooperation Anar Karimov, members of the OTS Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards and other guests drew attention to the great importance and honour for the scientific, public and religious community of making Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi — a distinguished figure of the moderate Islamic tradition, a bright representative of Islamic enlightenment, a philosopher and poet who is highly relevant in today's era — more widely known to the world. It was noted that in today's modern world, where the processes of globalisation and integration are advancing broadly and at the same time phenomena threatening humanity such as separatism and religious radicalism are occurring, there is a great need to promote moderate Islam as embodied in Bakuvi's philosophy, for the unifying power of national and spiritual values, and for the promotion of the principles of human brotherhood that are vital for humanity. One of the aspects of particular significance for the modern era is that the legacy of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi holds special importance not only for Azerbaijan but as one of the important spiritual treasures of Islamic civilisation as a whole, in terms of the preservation of national identity, spiritual sovereignty and a shared religious and mystical heritage.
At the international conference, a book-album entitled "The Summit of Brotherhood and Alliance," which carries significance for the Turkic world, was also presented. The publication, authored by CMB Chairman Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and published in two languages — Azerbaijani and Uzbek — aims to reflect the unparalleled activities of the powerful leaders of two fraternal peoples and eternally friendly and allied states — President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev — in the direction of preserving and developing the spiritual heritage and Islamic values through their efforts and wise steps in the most recent history of these two countries.
In addition, presentations were held within the framework of the International Conference of the books "Pir-i Sani — Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi" and "History of the Irevan Qadiat" in Azerbaijani and English, as well as other publications prepared and issued by the Caucasus Muslims Board.
Based on the conference materials, a film dedicated to the moderate Islamic values and the Bakuvi legacy has also been produced.
It is planned to publish books and brochures based on the materials of the 1st International Conference on "The Peak of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi in the Cultural Heritage of the Islamic World: Moderate Values and Contemporary Challenges," and to organise presentations using artificial intelligence tools.
On 15 September, the international conference will continue its work with panel sessions.

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