Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The ambassador of the United States to Baku has praised the tolerance atmosphere created in Azerbaijan.

Robert Cekuta said the church in Sheki region illustrates the Azerbaijani history and tradition of tolerance.

He made the remark after visiting Alban church in Kish settlement of Sheki region, the U.S. Embassy in Baku reported on September 22.

It is very striking to realize that this is a church being lovingly maintained and cared for in a village of Muslims, the ambassador believes.

“Azerbaijan has been rightly recognized for a long history of tolerance and friendship to all races and creeds. I have visited the village of Krasnaya Sloboda and heard from the Mountian Jewish community about the home and support that they have found in Azerbaijan,” Cekuta said.

He further noted that tolerance is sometimes a very fragile flower in this world, adding that many forces are opposed to the kind of respect for others that Azerbaijan has cultivated.

“In every nation, in every generation we have to keep strengthening those good tendencies and strive against the forces of intolerance,” Cekuta said.

Azerbaijan is a country that is regarded as a model of tolerance and multiculturalism around the world.

Tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan is not just a talking point, but a style of life for over 9.6 million people living at the crossroad of the East and West, and combining traditions and cultures.

The secular state Azerbaijan is overwhelmingly Muslim – about 96 percent of the population. However, worshippers of other religions enjoy freedom here, and one can often witness Jewish synagogues and Orthodox and Christian churches and other religious centers functioning freely.

The state places tolerance as one of its main drivers of the development of the country.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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