Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Ajdarbay Mosque in Baku after major overhaul and reconstruction

The Ajdarbay Mosque has opened in Baku after major overhaul and reconstruction.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening ceremony.

The head of state and his state reviewed a photo stand reflecting the appearance of the mosque before and after renovation.

The chairman of the Office of Caucasus Muslims, Sheikh-ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh, informed the President of Azerbaijan and his wife about the work done at the mosque. It was indicated that in 2010 the President had signed an order on measures for the restoration of the temple which was initially known as the “Ittifag” mosque, a symbol of the unity of Muslims. According to the order, with the aim of reconstructing the mosque with high quality and in accordance with centuries-old traditions of the national architectural heritage of Azerbaijan, funds were allocated from the reserve Fund of the President in the state budget.

It was indicated that the Ajdarbay mosque was built by well-known philanthropist Ajdarbay Ashurbayov in 1912-1913. Since the dome of the mosque was painted in blue, people often called it “Gey meschid” (Blue Mosque). About 400 people could administer the divine service at the same time here. But after the restoration of independence, the number of the mosque’s visitors considerably increased, which led to congestions on the premises. Therefore, in addition to the repairs and restoration, it was also necessary to expand the mosque. On the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, who pays special attention to national and spiritual values, new life has been breathed into this historical monument. The head of state always monitored progress of restoration and expansion of the Ajdarbay mosque, was regularly informed of construction work and provided relevant instructions and recommendations. Therefore, the restoration at the Ajdarbay mosque, which imparts a special beauty to the capital, was accelerated. As a result, this temple of worship acquired a majestic appearance over a short period of time.

It was indicated that modern technologies were used during the repairs and restoration, but since the mosque is a historical monument, it has been brought into line with its original appearance. The mosque now has separate facilities for the ritual ablution of men and women.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva saluted members of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus.

During familiarization with the mosque, the President and his wife were informed that after the repairs and restoration up to 3,000 people can administer the divine service at the mosque at the same time. In the mosque’s courtyard covering an area of 4,000 square meters, there is another area for divine services. The mosque has sliding ceilings, as in the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina. The walls and columns of the mosque have images of verses from the Holy Koran.

They are decorated with religious symbols and unique patterns of Azerbaijani calligraphy and oriental ornaments.

It was mentioned that the mosque is fitted with modern lighting and ventilation systems. The tomb of Ajdarbay Ashurbayov is located at its entrance. There is a separate place of worship for women.

After praising the work done, President Ilham Aliyev met with members of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus.

Saluting members of the Council, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Today, on such an important day for all of us, the day of restoration of the Ajdarbay mosque, it is twice as nice to be together. Thank you for coming. The restoration of our holy places is one of the most important directions of our activity, our moral duty.

This mosque has a rich history. I am very pleased that we have not only restored but also expanded it. It has been expanded perhaps more than 10 times and will stand for centuries to come.

All religious sites in Azerbaijan are protected and restored. I remember our meeting at the Tazapir mosque, which we have also re-opened together after restoration and renovation. The reconstruction, in essence complete rebuilding of one of Azerbaijan’s oldest mosques, the Juma mosque in Shamakhi, is currently under way. I do hope that in the near future, in the next year or two, we will gather in the beautiful city of Shamakhi for the opening of that mosque.

I am very pleased that you have such beautiful and friendly relations. They in many respects strengthen the relations between our nations, our republics, which have ancient traditions of a culture of communication. I am pleased that the initiatives we have put forward together are being implemented. And this active cooperation between your republics and Azerbaijan is entering a new stage and acquiring a new form. It is of vital importance for all our peoples, as well as for Russian-Azerbaijani relations.

Touching upon the value of meetings among religious leaders, President Aliyev said such activities were important for the discussion of issues of common interest. The President said the friendly relations among religious figures were also an example for the expansion and strengthening of ties among the youth. Noting from this standpoint the value of the Caucasus Youth Forum, he expressed hope that this event would become traditional.

President Ilham Aliyev asked the Muftis to convey his greetings to the people and leaders of North Caucasus republics they represent. He said:

- Please convey my warmest greetings to all the people and leaders of the republics you represent. As you know, we have very good relations among leaders. We recently met in Baku and held very good talks. We had a good conversation about further cooperation.

We are all interested in seeing peace, calm, cooperation and development in the Caucasus. All of you are prominent representatives of your people, and I am sure that the close collaboration, cooperation and friendship among religious leaders of the Caucasus will significantly facilitate the overall cooperation in our region.

Once again, welcome.

The chairman of the Office of Caucasus Muslims, Sheikh-ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazadeh, thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his support in the reconstruction of the Ajdarbay mosque and, remembering the contribution of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev to the preservation of religious and spiritual values in the country, said:

- May the Almighty repose the soul of Heydar Aliyev. You are continuing the legacy of great Heydar Aliyev. As chairman of the Office of Caucasus Muslims, I still remember his will.

The Mufti of the Republic of Adygea and Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation, Emizh Nurbakh, said:

- Mr. President, we are saluting you on behalf of the Muslims of the Caucasus, Muslims of Adygea.

Every time we come to Baku, we feel at home here because your people are very hospitable. When we come here, we see and feel that people don’t sit idly. The city of Baku and the whole of Azerbaijan develop every day and every hour.

Noting that he was witnessing extensive development in our country, Emizh Nurbakh expressed his satisfaction with the fact that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to religious and spiritual values and the people of Azerbaijan work hard for the good of the Motherland. Stressing that everything that has been done was a gift for future generations, he said:

- There will come a time when future generations will ask us: What are we leaving behind for them? This is important for us. Today, all of us present here, especially the leaders, must prepare the baton for future generations.

We are very pleased, I repeat, we are proud of you, Mr. President. We are proud of our Sheikh. When we don’t meet for two or three months, we miss him. We, the muftis of the North Caucasus, are like a friendly family, we work very well.

President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Thank you for your kind words about our country, about me and about our esteemed Sheikh. We appreciate your assessment and are grateful to you for sincerely rejoicing in our successes. And we believe that this is a success of all our republics, our common success.

President Ilham Aliyev stressed that the traditional centuries-old friendly relations among peoples of the North Caucasus serve to strengthen peace and tranquility in the region. In this context, he stressed that the education of youth in the spirit of goodwill and peace will contribute to overall development in the future.

The rector of Baku Islamic University, Haji Sabir Hasanli, read out an address of members of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus to the President of Azerbaijan:

 “To the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev

Distinguished Mr. President!

We, the members of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus, are expressing our best wishes and blessings to the head of one of the most influential countries in the region, the leader of Azerbaijan who has enormous political influence, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

All the peoples living in the Caucasus have been witnessing your tireless work for the strengthening of the state independence and well-being of the people of Azerbaijan. You are paying great attention to the preservation of national and spiritual values and to the protection of religious and cultural monuments. Your wide-ranging activities are appreciated by Muslims and resonate in their hearts as an expression of high attention being paid to spiritual values.

This is exactly why the relations between religion and the state in Azerbaijan represent a model of wise policy, which is highly regarded throughout the Caucasus.

It is very important and honorable for us that the respect for spirituality which stems from your family roots is now continued by Your Excellency and the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva.

We know that a whole era of multinational and multi-confessional Republic of Azerbaijan is associated with the name of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. Many of those who have signed this appeal cherish warm memories of the meetings with your late father and you.

We can say with full confidence that the public and political stability, national and spiritual unity and religious tolerance which have developed in Azerbaijan thanks to your focused activity are a logical result of the successful policies which originate from the historical and progressive traditions of the school of Heydar Aliyev.

Dear Mr. President, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely and respectfully congratulate you on your 50th anniversary and wish you Caucasian longevity, good health and continued success in your future endeavors. We, believers, fully endorse and support your efforts for the prosperity of the Azerbaijani people and stability in the Caucasus. We hope that all the conflicts in the Caucasus, including the Karabakh problem, will soon be resolved within the framework of international law and peacefully. Inshallah, the people of Azerbaijan will reach even greater successes in the world under your leadership.

May the blessing of the Almighty be with you. Our prayers and hopes are always with you. Amen.

Members of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus:

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh – the chairman
Soltan Mirzoyev – the Mufti of Chechnya, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus
Emizh Nurbakh – the Mufti of the Republic of Adygea and Krasnodar Territory
Ahmed Abdullayev – the Mufti of the Republic of Dagestan
Sultanahmet Karalayev – the Mufti of the Republic of Kalmykia
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov – the Mufti of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
Shafig Psikhachev – the authorized representative of the Office of Caucasus Muslims in Moscow, Mufti
Sharafatdin Chachayev – the Deputy Mifti of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria
Aleksandr Ischein – the Bishop of the Baku and Caspian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church
Semen Ikhiilov – the head of the Community of Mountain Jews
Vladimir Fekete – a representative of the Catholic Church
Ali Aliyev – the authorized representative of the Office of Caucasus Muslims in Georgia
Shakhabetdin Karimov – the kadee of the Office of Caucasus Muslims in Derbent
Baku city, 22 December 2011.”

Speaking next was the head of a department for cooperation with religious associations of the Office of the President of Tatarstan, Marat Gatin. He said:

- Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, please allow me to salute and thank you very much for the hospitality we have enjoyed in fraternal Azerbaijan. Just a week ago, last week, respected Sheikh visited us in Kazan. He had a meeting with our President, Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov. They discussed a broad range of religious cooperation issues between our two republics. I think we will see some fruit of those agreements very soon.

I am grateful to our Sheikh for taking care of Tatar Muslims here. Even at this mosque one of the imams is Tatar.

The authorized representative of the Office of Caucasus Muslims in Moscow, Shafig Psikhachev, thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his support in the reconstruction of the Ajdarbay mosque. He said:

- We know that your late father initiated the restoration of mosques and you are continuing it. You are a worthy successor of your father’s cause.

I am speaking on behalf of representatives of the Office of Caucasus Muslims. As mentioned, I am the representative of the Office of Caucasus Muslims in Moscow. Integration processes are irreversible. Today we are witnessing that the world, morality and spirituality are exposed to major ordeals. We believe that Azerbaijan is an example of how representatives of different religious traditions should treat each other and what the relations between the state and religion should be like.

The Mufti of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Khadzhimurat Gatsalov, expressed his satisfaction with the dynamic economic development taking place in Azerbaijan, saying that it is very important.

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The opening ceremony of the Ajdarbay mosque began with the reading of verses from the Koran.

The President of the Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the ceremony.

Remarks by President Ilham Aliyev

- Your Holiness Sheikh!

Respected Muftis of North Caucasus republics!

Dear religious figures!

Dear friends!

My warm greeting to all of you! It is a wonderful and memorable day. The Ajdarbay mosque is reopening its doors after major overhaul. This is a great and historic event. The Ajdarbay mosque is our national treasure. This mosque was built by famous philanthropist Haji Ajdarbay Ashurbayov a century ago. After the October revolution it was closed, but resumed its activities in the 1940s. In recent years, both the external and internal appearance of the mosque required major resources. A few years ago I signed an Order to allocate funds from the Reserve Fund of the President, and the overhaul began. During the renovation, I repeatedly enquired about the situation and, at the suggestion of His Holiness Sheikh, the area of the mosque was considerably expanded. The mosque now covers an area at least 10 times bigger than before. The repair and reconstruction were carried out with great taste and love. I am very pleased that this historic religious monument has been repaired at a high level and is reopening its doors to us.

The people of Azerbaijani are very committed to their religious and historical traditions. Our religion, history, national and spiritual values are of utmost importance. In recent years, our historical and religious monuments have been repaired and reconstructed. Our highly important shrines and places of worship are protected and repaired by the state. At the initiative of great leader Heydar Aliyev, the main building of the Bibi-Heybat mosque was opened on 12 July 1998. The Bibi-Heybat sanctuary is a shrine with a centuries-old history. A mosque was built there in the 13th century. In the 1930s, on orders of Soviet leadership, the Bibi-Heybat mosque was destroyed. The reconstruction of the Bibi-Heybat mosque was carried out at the initiative of the great leader and, as I said, the first and the main building of it was opened in 1998. Exactly 10 years later, on 12 July 2008, additional buildings of the mosque were commissioned. It was significantly expanded to become one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful mosques.

Afterwards, in 2009, also at the expense of the state, reconstruction, restoration and expansion were carried out at the Tazapir mosque. We celebrated the opening of the Tazapir mosque together with our valued guests.

Today, at the end of 2011, the beautifully renovated Ajdarbay mosque is provided for the disposal of believers, and this is a great and memorable event. I want to note that reconstruction and restoration are currently under way at the Juma Mosque is Shamakhi, which represents immense spiritual value for our people. The Juma Mosque in Shamakhi is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan. Built in 743, it was exposed to natural devastation, suffered an earthquake. Some of it was destroyed and then rebuilt. In 1918, the Shamakhi mosque was destroyed and burned by the Armenians. Despite this, the Shamakhi mosque lived on in our hearts as a religious center, a historical and architectural monument.

The restoration of the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi has been our sacred duty. I am very glad that we have started this work and allocated funds. I have repeatedly enquired about the progress of repair and construction. After completion of the construction and repair, the Shamakhi Juma mosque will probably become one of Azerbaijan’s biggest and most spectacular mosques. The process of reconstruction of the Imamzadeh historical and religious complex in Ganja is under way. It is of great significance for our people. I am sure we will celebrate the opening of the Imamzadeh complex together in the near future.

I have laid out my thoughts on the ongoing restoration of several significant mosques. There are about 2,000 mosques in Azerbaijan. In the last eight years alone 117 mosques have been built. Some were built and renovated by the state, others by religious communities and others by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. This in itself shows that it is our national cause. I want to repeat that our people are committed to their religious and spiritual traditions. We think that work in this direction should go even faster. There is complete freedom of religion and conscience in Azerbaijan. We are faithful to our holy religion, Islam. We must promote Islamic values in the world. Azerbaijan is doing a lot to that end – both believers of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani state. We must not only promote our religion, but also protect it from unfounded attacks.

Unfortunately, sometimes we are confronted with such phenomena – unjust attacks on Islam, Islamophobia trends, media campaigns of slander against Islamic religion. Of course, we must and we do immediately react to these unpleasant phenomena, prove that the Islamic religion is a religion of peace, brotherhood, kindness and charity. Our religious festivals embody the ideas of charity. Our religious tradition is to help, reach out a helping hand to the poor.

These are universal human values. All these universal human values are part of the Islamic religion. So Islam encompasses all the great human values. This is the truth.

However, the dirty campaign against Islam is unfortunately ongoing. To put an end to this campaign, built on lies and slander, we should carry out our advocacy work more actively. At the same time, our unity, the unity of the Islamic world, may be the best answer to those engaged in this campaign.

Azerbaijan, for its part, is making every effort to strengthen Islamic solidarity. After joining the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we have contributed to the enhancement of these positive trends. Two years ago, Baku was declared the capital of Islamic culture. It was a great honor and responsibility for us, evidence of the Islamic world’s respect for Azerbaijan and a high assessment of the Islamic world for the respect for the Islamic religion in Azerbaijan. I should also note that on our initiative another ancient Azerbaijani city, Nakhchivan, will be declared the capital of Islamic culture in 2018.

Such activities will be continued. Azerbaijan is hosting various international events to discuss religious matters. I am very glad that Azerbaijan is stepping up its role in the discussion of these issues. The international community is also very positive about conducting such events in Azerbaijan. Some time ago, during the anniversary of His Holiness Sheikh, a major international event in Baku was attended by representatives of different religions. They participated in it and said some sincere words. Then Baku hosted the summit of leaders of world religions. The focus of the First International Humanitarian Forum held in Baku last year was also on religious tolerance and cooperation among people of different religions.

Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience in addressing these issues. I am very pleased that our experience is being studied. Representatives of all religions live peacefully like one family in Azerbaijan. There has never been and I am sure will never be any confrontation or misunderstanding on religious or ethnic grounds in Azerbaijan. I am absolutely sure that someone who respects his own religion must have respect for other religions. The interreligious dialogue should be further strengthened. There are different views and approaches to this issue.

I should say that multiculturalism was one of the themes of the First International Humanitarian Forum. This topic was put on the agenda on our initiative because there is a great need for that. There are different approaches in the world today, some say that multiculturalism is dead, that it has no future. Azerbaijan’s activities and example show that multiculturalism is alive. One of its addresses is precisely Azerbaijan, but there are other addresses too. There is no alternatives to multiculturalism. An alternative to multiculturalism is self-isolation.

We want positive trends, the trends of cooperation, friendship, brotherhood to strengthen in the world, and religious leaders have a major role to play in this. For our part, we will continue to put forward initiatives. Azerbaijan is home to all the people living here. Representatives of all ethnic groups are our respected citizens. We treat all religions with great respect and sympathy. Christian and Catholic churches and Jewish synagogues are on a par with mosques in Azerbaijan today. These are Azerbaijan’s realities, our contribution to the world treasury. I believe that our experience has not been studied properly yet. If it is, I am sure that our situation can serve as an example.

At the same time, the relations between religion and the state are essential to the successful development of any country. These relations are also properly regulated in Azerbaijan. It is very important for any society to build the relations between religion and the state on a sound footing. These issues are handled at a high level in Azerbaijan. An exceptional contribution to building the relations between religion and the state at this level was made by great leader Heydar Aliyev.

His personal friendship with His Holiness Sheikh made a great contribution to the development of these relations.

Today, it is already my personal friendship with His Holiness Sheikh and our mutual respect that are contributing to the strengthening of these relations.

We should all strive to further develop and strengthen our country. We have excellent prospects. This year we have officially and successfully celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration of our independence. Over the 20 years Azerbaijan has covered a long and glorious path. The fact that, along with successes in all other areas and the solution of economic and social issues, the public situation in Azerbaijan is very positive is our biggest achievement. The words of influential people in this regard are of great importance.

I would like to specifically welcome those of you who have come to Azerbaijan to participate in this wonderful event together with us. Today, our brothers, the distinguished Muftis of North Caucasus republics, are attending this wonderful event. It is a symbol of our friendship. We have met several times and will meet again. There is a great need for the word of authoritative people. I am pleased that we are entering a new phase of cooperation in the Caucasus, and religious leaders have put much work into this. As a result of our meetings in recent years, several excellent events have been held. We have brought youth from Caucasian republics to Baku. Young people from all North Caucasus republics came to Baku for the Caucasus Youth Forum. Recently, the leaders of North Caucasus republics were our guests. After that, our large government delegation visited North Caucasus republics to establish relations and explore economic and investment opportunities. So a new stage of cooperation starts in the Caucasus. North Caucasus republics and Azerbaijan play a special role at the start of this stage. These relations also have a positive impact on Russian-Azerbaijani ties, Caucasus issues are always on the agenda of Russian-Azerbaijani relations. Our common view is that we should strengthen peace in the Caucasus, build security, cooperation and make joint efforts for people to live well.
I am very glad that religious leaders of North Caucasus republics and Azerbaijan are close to each other today. Of course, in the old days all Caucasian peoples were in constant contact with each other. We are historically tied by bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

This is a very important issue, a very important issue for the entire Caucasus. Of course, these ties have an impact on all other areas.

Now we are taking serious steps to promote stability and cooperation in the Caucasus.

The activities of Muftis of the North Caucasus, their authority in their republics and on the international arena, of course, also suggest that they are worthy representatives of their peoples.

On this remarkable day, I want to point to the activities of His Holiness Sheikh again. His Holiness Sheikh is an experienced religious leader, a public figure and a personality enjoying great respect in the world. The activities of His Holiness Sheikh to address issues of concern in the Caucasus is of particular importance. He has repeatedly visited Caucasus republics. His Holiness Sheikh enjoys great authority in the North Caucasus. He is held in high esteem in other countries too.

As I noted earlier, when the relations between the religion and the state are at a high level, it benefits all people of the region. It benefits Azerbaijan, as it strengthens Azerbaijan’s standing and introduces us to the world. It is also important for the region. Azerbaijan is known in the world as a regional stabilizing factor, international respect for Azerbaijan is growing, and an excellent indicator of that has been Azerbaijan’s election to the UN Security Council. A total of 155 countries have supported and believed in us by voting for Azerbaijan. This is Azerbaijan’s biggest foreign political success achieved in the 20 years of independence.

Dear friends, my greetings to all of you! It is really a wonderful and historic day. The completely different Ajdarbay mosque is reopening its doors. I congratulate you on this wonderful event and greet all the guests again. I wish you good health and success. Thank you!

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Addressing the ceremony, Soltan Mirzoyev, the Mufti of Chechnya and First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of Peoples of the Caucasus, said:

- Dear Ilham Heydar oglu!

Dear Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva!

Dear colleagues!

It is very gratifying and we are very proud that the President of Azerbaijan provides such help in the reconstruction of mosques and construction of new ones. Mrs. Aliyeva, we are aware of your activities on the construction and renovation of mosques. Thank you very much for that.

The Mufti of Chechnya said Azerbaijan plays an important part in strengthening the national and spiritual values and has made great strides in that, especially in the 20 years of independence.

Noting that youth plays a crucial role in the future of any nation, Soltan Mirzoyev pointed to the positive impact of the First

Youth Forum of the Caucasus on the preservation of national and spiritual values and their communication to future generations.

Speaking about the importance of regular meetings between religious leaders, he said:

- You are right, Mr. President, that our traditional annual meetings, which are sometimes held two or even three times a year, have a great response and give an impetus to our work. And we are very proud that you are meeting with us and paying us so much attention.

The head of a department for cooperation with religious associations of the Office of the President of Tatarstan, Marat Gatin, read a congratulatory message on behalf of President Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of the opening of the Ajdarbay mosque after repairs:

“Dear spiritual leaders and worshippers from Muslim communities!

On behalf of the State Council and Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and on my own, I sincerely congratulate you on the reopening of the restored Ajdarbay mosque, one of the most revered architectural treasures of the Azerbaijani capital. The restoration and reconstruction of the mosque is a momentous event in the religious life, the embodiment of respect for the historical heritage of ancestors and a vivid example of the revival of immortal spiritual values.

Traditionally, mosques are a place of worship, association and spiritual unity of all Muslims. In the last century, this mosque was popularly called “Ittifag”, which was due to the fact that the Shiites and Sunnis prayed here together. I am convinced that under present conditions the activities of the Ajdarbay mosque will carry the torch of faith and charity and promote further strengthening of peace and accord.

I wish the Office of Caucasus Muslims successful work in preserving and promoting national culture, language, traditions and customs of the peoples of multinational Azerbaijan, including the Tatars. May your good intentions continue to serve the spiritual prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and friendship between brotherly peoples. I wish you good health, happiness, prosperity and blessings of the Almighty.

President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov
Kazan, Kremlin, 22 December.

The chairman of the Office of Caucasus Muslims, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, described this day as a landmark event in the lives of believers. Recalling the contribution of great leader Heydar Aliyev to the restoration of religious temples that serve mutual understanding and unity among believers, he said:

- Today, I can’t but remember my brother and friend, Mr. Heydar Aliyev who died in the month of December. May God repose his soul. Communication with him has taught me a lot. I will probably stay this way until the end of my life.

Since 2003, about 200 mosques and shrines have been repaired in Azerbaijan. About 10 mosques have been repaired and restored on the initiative of the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. I wouldn’t like to talk only about mosques. Jewish, Christian and Catholic temples have been renovated as well.

Indeed, if Almighty Allah loves a people, he sends it a leader to represent this nation. These are not my words, but a hadith of the Prophet. Heydar Aliyev was sent down by Allah to save our people. Heydar Aliyev came to power at a time when our nation, state and statehood were on the brink of demise. There was indifference to our national and spiritual values. When Mr. Heydar Aliyev came to power, Azerbaijan was in a dire financial situation, but the Bibi-Heybat complex was built and assistance was provided to other mosques. Today, Almighty Allah has given us the happiness of being led, after our great leader Heydar Aliyev, by his successor Ilham Aliyev. The restoration of the Tazapir and Ajdarbay mosques in Baku, the Imamzadeh mosque in Ganja and a large complex in Shamakhi has been carried out thanks to the attention and care of Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Also, the meetings Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva has recently held in the Vatican, the restoration of ancient manuscripts relating to Azerbaijan and the promotion of our country are a vivid example of our growth and development from religious and spiritual standpoint.

The chairman of the Office of Caucasus Muslims expressed confidence that the measures to develop Islamic religion and national and spiritual values in the country would continue to be taken in the future.

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Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh presented the Holy Koran to President Ilham Aliyev.