Participants of the international scientific-practical conference on Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani — the distinguished Islamic thinker, prominent Azerbaijani scholar and theologian-philosopher — arrived in the city of Aghdam on 16 September. The conference is being held within the framework of the 7th Meeting of the OTS Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards.
According to AZERTAC's regional correspondent, the conference continued its work in Aghdam, opening with the performance of Azerbaijan's State Anthem.
In his address, CMB Chairman Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade recalled that the Aghdam Friday Mosque became known as the "martyr mosque" during the First Karabakh War. "During the occupation, more than 67 mosques and places of worship across Karabakh were destroyed. Pigs were kept inside the Aghdam Mosque, and anti-Islamic inscriptions were written on its walls. This was an insult not just to Azerbaijan's Muslims but to Muslims around the world," he said.
He added that under the leadership of the Head of State, life is returning to Karabakh: destroyed sites are being rebuilt, and mosques are being restored and newly constructed.
Emin Huseynov, the President's Special Representative for the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts, noted that Aghdam — once known as the "Hiroshima of the Caucasus," a symbol of destruction and grief — is now becoming a symbol of peace, security and hope. "Under the Great Return State Programme, new life is rising from the ruins. Mosques are being restored, residential neighbourhoods are being built, and schools, hospitals and public facilities are going up. This is not just Karabakh's physical revival — it is a spiritual one too. New mosques are being built alongside the restored ones. Karabakh's spiritual life is being reborn," he said.
Hamid Shahriari, Secretary-General of the International Assembly for the Approximation of Islamic Schools of Thought, called for peace and stability in the region and worldwide. "We hope lasting peace will soon be achieved in the South Caucasus as well," he said.
Fatih Mehmet Karaca, a Turkish religious representative, described the gathering of OTS Muslim religious leaders as an initiative that inspires hope and confidence. "I thank President Ilham Aliyev for reopening the Aghdam Friday Mosque for worship. The mosque is a symbol, but the real point is the restoration and rebuilding of the history that was destroyed in this region. I am grateful to everyone who has made that possible," he said.
Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, welcomed the mosque's return to its community. "On behalf of Uzbekistan's Muslims, I am deeply pleased that this mosque has come back to its people and its congregation. This mosque and this land witnessed the tears of countless innocent people. It was liberated at the cost of martyrs' blood," he said.
Other speakers also praised the event's significance and expressed satisfaction at the restoration of mosques in the liberated territories.
Prayers were then performed, after which the conference participants visited the Aghdam Martyrs' Avenue.

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**09:54**

Participants of the international scientific-practical conference on Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani — the distinguished Islamic thinker, prominent Azerbaijani scholar and theologian-philosopher — have arrived in the city of Aghdam within the framework of the 7th Meeting of the OTS Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards.
According to AZERTAC, the scientific-practical conference is continuing its work in Aghdam.