The opening ceremony of the 2nd Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Figures on the theme “Constitutional principles of state-religion relations in Azerbaijan: Secularism and freedom of conscience” was held in Baku.
Addressing the forum, Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, emphasized that Azerbaijan has been one of the unique cultural centers where various civilizations converged, and cultures and religions have peacefully coexisted like a family throughout history.
Speaking at the event, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, said that throughout history, Azerbaijan has been a unique space where various religions and cultures have coexisted in peace, mutual respect, and trust.
Other speakers at the event included Safi Arpaguş, Head of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, Sabina Aliyeva, Azerbaijan’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson), Yernur Aitkenov, Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Haji Salman, First Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office.
Held as part of the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,” the event aims to promote fundamental constitutional values such as secularism and freedom of conscience, discuss issues related to the rights and obligations of religious figures, their professional development, legal and cultural aspects of state-religion relations, as well as strengthening Azerbaijan’s multicultural and tolerant environment.