State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations announces 2014 plans
By Jamila Babayeva
Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations defined the directions of its activity in 2014.
Head of the committee Elshad Isgandarov announced the six directions of activity on February 14.
These directions include regulating relations between religion and state and improving activities in this area, implementing appropriate measures against radical movements, strengthening work to promote national values in religious communities and society, strengthening the traditions of tolerance in the society, developing and strengthening national values, and ensuring the integration of religious communities in the society.
Commenting on the results of 2013, Isgandarov noted that as a result of President Ilham Aliyev's deliberate policy, great opportunities for activities in the field of state-religion relations were created.
"Juma Mosque in Sumgayit and Shamakhi have been restored and put into operation and a new mosque complex was opened in the Gabala region in 2013. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has renovated the mosque of Imam Rza in Bina settlement in the Khazar district, and opening the religious and cultural center of the Baku - Azerbaijan Orthodox diocese has turned into a significant event. More than 150 events were held for resolving problems in the religious sphere," he said.
Isgandarov noted that the number of registered religious organizations has reached 588 in Azerbaijan.
"Some 12 religious organizations were registered in Azerbaijan in 2013," the head of Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations said on February 14.
Noting that the committee acknowledged the inappropriate importing 29 kinds of religious literature Isgandarov added the committee also recognized as inappropriate publication of four kinds of religious literature.
"A program to support the social projects of religious communities" has attracted more than 40 religious communities, he said
"The committee presented the National center of tolerance at an international level, organized international photo exhibitions and conferences dedicated to tolerance in Azerbaijan, and realized the project named 'Azerbaijan - Islamic pearl'," Isgandarov noted.
The committee also presented its new logotype, which is in the form of an eight-pointed star. Inside the star there is the state emblem and flame surrounded by two hands that are open in prayer.
Isgandarov said the eight corners symbolize religious tolerance in Azerbaijan and multilateral relations between religions.