President Aliyev inaugurates Heydar Mosque
By Nigar Orujova
Heydar Mosque, the largest mosque in the Caucasus was opened in
Baku on December 26.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva
and family members attended the ceremony.
The building, which covers a total area of 12,000 square meters,
was constructed under the instructions of the head of state. The
mosque has four 95m-height minarets.
President Aliyev repeatedly visited the construction site to review
progress of activities and give relevant instructions. The mosque
covers a total area of 4,200 square meters. It has 55m-height main
and 35m-height second domes.
The ceremony started with recitation of an ayah from the Quran.
President Aliyev addressed the ceremony, and delivered his
greetings on the opening of Heydar Mosque, which he described as a
remarkable and historic day in the country’s life.
Following, Ismayil Berdiyev, chairman of the Coordinating Council
of Muslims of the North Caucasus, Mufti of Karachay-Cherkessia of
the Russian Federation, Eparchy Alexande,r head of the Russian
Orthodox Church’s Baku and Azerbaijan, Milikh Yevdayev, head of
Baku Mountain Jews Religious Community, Shafik Pshikhachev,
Plenipotentiary Representative of the Caucasian Muslims Office in
the Russian Federation and Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the
Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam made speeches.
In conclusion, prayers were said for national leader Heydar Aliyev,
his wife Zarifa Aliyeva and martyrs, who died for the
motherland.