On May 22, an expanded meeting of the Board of Gazis of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB) was held in Baku. AZERTAC reports that the ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan.
Providing information about the ceremony, the Chairman of the CMB, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, stated that several important issues would be discussed. He shared his views on the history of Iravan and Western Azerbaijan. A video about the history of the qadiyat (judicial-religious office) in Western Azerbaijan was shown.
Subsequently, Allahshukur Pashazade announced the fatwa of the Caucasus Muslims Board regarding the celebration of Eid al-Adha (Gurban Bayrami) in Azerbaijan. It was brought to attention that the holiday will fall on June 6 this year.
Following this, the Sheikh-ul-Islam proposed the appointment of Ceyhun Rustamov to the position of the new deputy chairman of the CMB, and the proposal was unanimously accepted.
Later, a separate Regulation regarding the Iravan Qadiyat was presented, put to a vote, and adopted. Fuad Nurullayev, Deputy Chairman of the CMB, presented the document to the meeting participants. It was stated that in the initial stage, the Iravan Qadiyat will be located in the building of the Caucasus Muslims Board. As a result of the voting, Bakhtiyar Najafov was elected the Qadiyat of Iravan.
Members of the Milli Majlis, religious and public figures, and scholars delivered extensive speeches at the meeting. Hikmet Babaoghlu, Deputy Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community and Member of the Milli Majlis, provided detailed information about the historical, religious, and cultural heritage of Iravan. He stated that these lands have been territories inhabited by Azerbaijanis for centuries, and our religious heritage there is an integral part of our national identity.
Speaking about the educational and unifying role of Islam in society, Fazil Mustafa, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee for Public Associations and Religious Organizations, emphasized that religious institutions serve not only for worship but also as carriers of national thought, ethics, and spiritual integrity. The deputy noted that, in this sense, the Iravan Qadiyat will make an important contribution to the preservation of both religious and national memory.
Anar Isgenderov, Member of the Milli Majlis and historian, spoke about the history of Western Azerbaijan. He stated that the city of Iravan and its surrounding regions have historically been Azerbaijani lands, and the activities of religious centers in these territories are important factors proving our people's historical existence.
Emphasizing the importance of the Iravan Qadiyat becoming an educational center as well as a religious structure, Sahib Naghiyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, proposed the creation of a group within the Qadiyat to conduct research on religious heritage.
Agil Shirinov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, spoke highly of the establishment of the qadiyat institution and noted the necessity of supporting these activities on a scientific level.
Other speakers, including religious figures and public representatives, also welcomed the establishment of the Iravan qadiyat institution, emphasizing that this initiative serves the restoration of historical justice and the revival of national-spiritual heritage.
At the end of the ceremony, prayers were offered for the souls of our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of our Motherland. Prayers were also said for the success and benefit of the qadiyat activities, wishing our people unity, peace, and national-spiritual revival.