Iran's grand ayatollah starts visit to Azerbaijan
By Sara Rajabova
Iran’s grand ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani visits Azerbaijan to meet with country’s clerics and visit historic Azerbaijani cities.
Nouri Hamedani arrived in Baku on August 31 for a 6-day visit at an invitation of the Caucasian Muslims Office.
He was welcomed by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office, the Iranian embassy in Baku told Trend.
Nouri Hamedani is scheduled to meet Shia clerics at Teze Pir mosque in Baku and visit the historic cities of Ganja and Shamakhi. He will meet with local religious leaders in these cities.
The Ayatullah will also visit Juma mosque in Shamakhi, Nizami Ganjavi and Shah Abbas Imamzade mausoleums in Ganja.
He will also pay respect to Azerbaijani shahids at the Alley of Martyrs, visit Bibi-Heybat Mosque and perform a prayer at Tezepir mosque in Baku.
Previously, the grand ayatollah had traveled to Russia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Azerbaijan and Iran have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were reestablished in 1992.
Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding ties in various fields, including economy, culture, tourism, education and etc.
--
Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @SaraRajabova
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz