Azerbaijan's tolerant environment to give unique tone to European Games
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
With only a few weeks before the European Games, Azerbaijan has been putting the final touches to the historical event, keen to meet buoyant expectations. The milestone event will start mid-June and will write itself as a landmark sports festival in Azerbaijan's history.
Since Azerbaijan was appointed by the European community to host the first ever pan-European sports event in history, getting ready has been high on Azerbaijani government's agenda.
Alongside the need for high security during the Games, the country's leadership has been keen to push Azerbaijan's qualities to the forefront, intent on emphasizing to which extent the nation could act as a model for others to follow.
Azerbaijan is already well known for being a model of tolerance. Tolerance is more than just a word in this South Caucasus country, it is a way of life. The authorities' sustainable attention and care to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic relations in Azerbaijan have acted as a barrier against radicalism and tensions, thus promoting a safe and tranquil environment.
Mubariz Gurbanli, the head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, said tolerance is a broad concept that does not only deal with religion since it also touches upon politics, culture, and even environment. He recalled the traditional image of the country calling it "a tolerant and multicultural land".
"As a multicultural country, Azerbaijan gathers various cultures under the same roof. Baku's upcoming hosting of the European Games is not a coincidence. Our country, our capital city sit at a crossroads in between Europe and Asia, in other words, multiple cultures exist in Azerbaijan. This exemplary multicultural image makes a perfect ground to host the European Games," he told AzerNews.
Not only linked to the European Games, the Azerbaijani government has always viewed the ethnic and religious diversity of the country as its national wealth. Azerbaijan's religious life is strictly regulated and protected under the state legislation. Interfaith and interethnic problems are not observed in Azerbaijan. The rule of law refers equally to all people living within the country's borders.
Considering the flow of foreign nationals from around the world to Azerbaijan during the European Games, the tolerant and multicultural traditions of the country will be pushed into the limelight.
The country's leadership is confident that neither ethnic nor religious turmoil can outshine the Games in Baku - the city of friendship and hospitality.
"Azerbaijan is an open country to all religions and cultures. The Baku 2015 visitors will not face any intolerance or xenophobia in Azerbaijan," Gurbanli said voicing the country's firm trust in its tolerance and multiculturalism traditions.
Mosques, cathedrals and synagogues in Azerbaijan function freely in an atmosphere of mutual respect for one another, all equally benefiting from moral and financial aid from the authorities. It means that worshippers of different heavenly religions will feel completely free to pursue their religious beliefs in Azerbaijan. Local and foreign experts call it a "unique example of tolerance" in the world.
"Guests of our country will see a unique and exemplary model of tolerance in Azerbaijan. It is one of many success of President Ilham Aliyev' state policy," Gurbanli said.
The Azerbaijani authorities spared no efforts so far to build a universal tolerant society. High accolades from various religious and political leaders all over the world prove the well-organized and sensitive approach to the country's religious and cultural tendencies. Foreign leaders believe that Azerbaijan could also "export tolerance to the world along with its energy exports".
"The European Games will bring the members of different religions and cultures to our country. Azerbaijan is fully ready to welcome its guests in a highly tolerant environment. The Games, in turn, will serve as a solid factor to once again confirm the inimitable tolerance model in our land," Gurbanli concluded.
Milica Starcevic, a student of ADA University from Montenegro, said the European Games 2015 will give people from all over the world the opportunity to experience the spirit of Azerbaijan and witness its beauty.
She expressed her belief that bringing different nations to Azerbaijan and its capital Baku will create a unique connection between visitors and Baku, alongside increasing multiculturalism and tolerance within society.
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