By Anar Huseynov,
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Albania

Multiculturalism is a universally recognized principle of peaceful coexistence, based on tolerance of relations between different cultures. Characteristic feature of multiculturalism is tolerance.

Azerbaijan, being a space where different civilizations intersect, has also been known for centuries as a land where an environment of national and cultural diversity has been formed, where representatives of different nationalities and faiths live in conditions of peace, prosperity, mutual understanding and dialogue. And liberality in relation to the characteristics of various peoples, nationalities, and religions is inherent in the mentality of the Azerbaijani people. At all historical stages on the territory of Azerbaijan, close relationships were formed between ethnic and religious communities; no facts of discrimination on national, religious and racial grounds were noted. Multiculturalism for Azerbaijan is not only a national policy, but also a way of life.

Azerbaijan, where the majority of the population is Shiite Muslim, is also called home by other ethnic and religious groups, including Christians and Jews. Respect and tolerance for national minorities played an important role in the development of the country during antiquity, during the era of the Great Silk Road, and today. During the Soviet Union period and since Azerbaijan gained its independence minorities have always been represented in the government of the republic.

Currently there are several different cultural communities operating in Baku alone. So, there are communities of: Russians, Ukrainians, Laks, Lezgins, Slavs, Tats, Tatars, Georgians, Ingiloys, Talysh, Avars, Meskhetian Turks, European and Mountain Jews, Germans and Greeks. I hope ethnic Armenians will return to Azerbaijan and restore their community as well. They have always been well integrated into Azerbaijani society and realities, and I believe they can be again a good part of multi-ethnic life of Azerbaijan. In general, such communities exist in all areas where ethnic minorities live densely. During the period of increase in the number of phenomena such as xenophobia and religious intolerance in different regions of the world, a unique model of interreligious dialogue and tolerance has been created in Azerbaijan and Albania, which can serve as special examples for many countries of the world and the world community.

Today in the country over 90% of the population is Muslim and along with mosques there are many churches and synagogues.

A striking example of Azerbaijani tolerance is also the warm and fraternal attitude towards representatives of the country’s Jewish community. It is worth noting the fact that there has never been anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan and Jews have never felt like foreigners. The ancient village of “Krasnaya Sloboda”, the only and unique place of compact settlement of Jews in the world, is the real pride of Azerbaijan. A number of synagogues and the largest Jewish educational center in the South Caucasus were also built in Azerbaijan.

Thanks to the targeted policy of the Head of state, today Azerbaijan presents to the world its model of multiculturalism. On February 28, 2014, the Institute of the State Advisor of the Republic of Azerbaijan on interethnic, interreligious issues and issues of multiculturalism was established, and on May 15, 2014, by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev, the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism was created, so far the only one in the world.

Along with this, since 2008, the International Forum on Intercultural Dialogue has been held in Baku every two years, which is a platform for coordinating international efforts aimed at strengthening tolerance and mutual understanding, the fight against discrimination, extremism and xenophobia in society. The next Forum will be held this year in Baku on 1-3 May.

In recognition of Azerbaijan’s efforts in promoting the values of multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue, the 7th UN Global Forum on the Alliance of Civilizations was held in Baku on April 25-27, 2016. During the Forum, issues related to new challenges and threats were raised, including the prevention of discrimination, xenophobia, racism, the fight against aggressive separatism, as well as measures aimed at strengthening intercultural and interreligious dialogue and promoting multiculturalism.

The activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation make a great contribution to the development of multiculturalism and tolerance in the republic. Within the framework of the Foundation’s project “Address of Tolerance – Azerbaijan”, the reconstruction and restoration of many mosques, churches, temples both in Azerbaijan and abroad are being carried out. Based on a bilateral agreement on the restoration of the Roman catacombs, signed between the Foundation and the Holy See, the Catacombs of Saints Marcellino and Pietro were restored.

Also, the Foundation provided financial assistance for the restoration of five window traceries of the Strasbourg Cathedral dating back to the 14th century, carried out the restoration of ancient monuments included in the World Heritage List since 1979, stored in the park of the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and assisted in the restoration of seven churches belonging to the 10th century. -XII centuries in the Orne department in France. The Trapezitsa architectural and museum reserve, located in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo, was also restored with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Foundation carried out the conservation and restoration of the walls of the monument, the creation of a tourist alley, a Cultural Heritage Center, and the repair and conservation of three medieval churches located on this territory. Support was provided for the restoration of the Capitoline Museum in Rome.

Azerbaijan, plays the role of a bridge between two different civilizations, increases its authority in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This idea is also sufficiently reflected in the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a full member of such organizations as the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, GUAM. Azerbaijan also attach an importance to cooperation with European countries on both bilateral and multilateral tracks based on mutual interests and equal partnership.

It is worth noting that multiculturalism, religious, ethnic and cultural tolerance are binding similarities between Albania and Azerbaijan, providing better comprehension and additional space and incentives for cooperation.