Azernews.Az

By Araz Said, AzerNews Staff Writer

The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of Azerbaijan (SCWRA) announced a competition for its new logo on Friday.

Spokesman Orkhan Ali told the press that the competition is being organized by Modern Development Public Union (MDPU) and that this is the first time a state body cooperates with an NGO in such an undertaking.

MDPU chairman Mubariz Goyushlu provided more information on the details of the competition, saying that the new logo must express the tolerance model of Azerbaijan in terms of various religions coexisting within the country and their followers living together in peace. "Also, the logo must express the ideas of statehood and civil solidarity," Goyushlu added.

As for participation criteria, the MDPU chairman said all creative and active young people under 35 can send in their projects on A4 papers and CDs. The winner will be awarded with 500 manats (over $600) and a diploma from SCWRA.

Following the announcement of the competition, Orkhan Ali informed journalists about launching the new official website of SCWRA. According to Ali, the website will be available by the end of October and it will allow religious organizations, the press and public to access necessary information more easily.

"The website will also feature a new 'religious map' of Azerbaijan which will indicate locations of religious organizations and temples, their addresses, information and photos about them," the SCWRA press secretary said.

During the press conference SCWRA representatives also presented the new Facebook and Twitter accounts of the Committee, saying that the Committee is planning to work with organizations and the public more interactively through social networks and the new website.