On 14 September, the VII Meeting of the Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku.
As reported by AZERTAC, the State Anthem was performed and verses from the Holy Quran were recited at the opening ceremony of the event.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), delivered an address stating that the joint cooperation and regular consultations among the Muslim religious leaders of the OTS make an important contribution to strengthening Turkic-Islamic unity. He emphasised that, as a result of the wise policies of the heads of state, special attention and care is shown towards religious and spiritual values.
OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted that one of the organisation's primary goals is to strengthen unity, solidarity and cooperation among the Turkic peoples and to build a common future on the basis of shared history and values.
The Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Nauryzbay Taganuly, spoke about the important role of the family in human life, describing it as a sacred space where personality is formed.
The President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, Safi Arpaguş, assessed the meetings of the heads of religious boards as an important consultation platform that, alongside political and economic cooperation, also ensures the OTS's development in social, cultural and spiritual directions.
The Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Mufti Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, drew attention to the growing influence of the OTS on the global stage and the strengthening of brotherly relations and close cooperation among the member states.
The Chairman of the Muslim Board of Kyrgyzstan, Mufti Abdulaziz Zakirov, spoke about the historical contributions of the Muslim world to the development of science, ethics and technology.
The newly elected Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Turkmenistan, Mufti Rahman Gurbanmuradov, emphasised the importance of strengthening ties and cooperation among the religious leaders of the Turkic peoples and of jointly resolving existing issues.
The Head of Religious Affairs of Northern Cyprus, Hakan Moral, noted the necessity of strengthening Muslim unity and solidarity in order to overcome the pain and injustices experienced in the Islamic world.
At the meeting, the Baku Declaration of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the OTS was adopted. An Address from the Council members and the religious leaders of observer states to President Ilham Aliyev was also adopted.
Harun Nurullah Tanzi, a representative of the OTS Secretariat, delivered a report on the outcomes of the working group session of the Council's Fatwa Committee. At the meeting, agreed fatwas on the topics of "Islam's Approach to Science and Technology," "Joint Responsibility for Promoting Marriage and Protecting and Strengthening the Family Institution," and "The Ruling on Declaring a Known Muslim to be an Unbeliever (Takfir)" were adopted and signed by the Council members.
At the close of the meeting, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade expressed his gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his attention and support in ensuring the event was held at a high level. Thanks were also extended to the heads of state of OTS member and observer states, as well as to the OTS Secretariat and the members of the Fatwa Committee.
It was announced that the next, VIII Meeting of the Council will be held in Türkiye. Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade handed over the chairmanship to Safi Arpaguş, President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye.
The event concluded with a group photograph.
09:25
On 14 September, the VII Meeting of the Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is being held in Baku.
As reported by AZERTAC, the State Anthem was performed and verses from the Holy Quran were recited at the opening ceremony of the event.
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB), who is presiding over the meeting, delivered a welcoming address.
The meeting will discuss the further strengthening of cooperation among Muslim religious boards, the protection and strengthening of the family institution, Islam's approach to science and technology, as well as other topical issues.
It should be noted that the VII Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of OTS member states is being attended by the heads of religious institutions of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
In total, state, academic and religious figures representing 40 countries and 15 international organisations are participating in the event.
