Paris studies religious tolerance of Azerbaijan
By Nigar Orujova
A conference titled “Religious tolerance: the culture of coexistence in Azerbaijan” has been organized in the French capital as part of the “Azerbaijan in the heart of Paris” project implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, as well as representatives from Azerbaijani and French religious organizations attended the conference.
Addressing the event, Mehriban Aliyeva said Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures, serving as a bridge between Asia and Europe, and this plays an important role in the development of cultural diversity.
“Traditions of tolerance are alive in our country today. Azerbaijan is a member of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe. We are proud of our cultural and historical heritage,” the first lady said.
Stressing that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation gives special attention to various religions, Aliyeva said the foundation has been involved in organizing Islamic art collection exhibitions at the Louvre Museum, restoring Roman catacombs, creating conditions to promote education of Jewish children, repairing churches in Strasbourg, and others cultural activities in France’s regions.
Aliyeva also touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
She said that as a result of the conflict, 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories have been occupied, with over one million people having become refugees and internally displaced persons. The first lady also drew the audience’s attention to national and historical monuments that have been destroyed as a result of the conflict.
Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli , in turn, briefed the audience on the committee’s activity.
He said the Heydar Aliyev Foundation contributes to the strengthening of tolerance in Azerbaijan.
The conference also highlighted the issues of interreligious relations within Azerbaijan. Speakers stressed that Azerbaijan pays special attention to the different nationalities and religions living in the country.
The First Lady proposed to hold the second part of the conference in Baku.
Following the conference, guests enjoyed a classical music concert.
Addressing the evening, mayor of the 1st Arrondissement of Paris Jean Francois Legaret said Azerbaijani art has been successfully presented in Paris for a few days, and the music pieces performed have made an unforgettable impression on the art-lovers of Paris.
The concert featured Azerbaijani pianist Murad Huseynov, as well as young violinists Jeyla Seyidova, Anar Seyidov, and others performing pieces by Azerbaijani and world composers.
At the end of the concert, world-renowned photographer Reza Deghati demonstrated an interesting composition reflecting the tolerant environment dominating in Azerbaijan. The 3D format illustration created colorful effects on the concert hall’s ceiling.
Azerbaijan has organized a series of events to promote the country in France in recent years. Moreover, conferences and meetings are held in a number of French cities to promote the tradition of religious tolerance in Azerbaijan.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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