Multiculturalism living in Azerbaijan

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

Scientific-practical workshop on "Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism”, held in Baku on February 22, analyzed the essential merits of the national leader in the development of different spheres.

Opening the ceremony, Deputy Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Adil Kerimli noted that scientists and political figures researched and presented the theme, reflecting the life and activity of national leader Heydar Aliyev and his achievements in various fields during 2015. The Centre also organized scientific and practical seminars on similar topics.

“Naturally, the topic of today's event has deep roots, and the idea of multiculturalism occupies a special place in Aliyev’s political activity,” he said.

Kamal Abdullayev, State Counselor for multiculturalism, international and religious affairs, in turn, emphasized that Heydar Aliyev chose the correct ideological line and thanks to his far-sighted and wise policy, he continued an ancient tradition of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan, and raised it to a new level.

Abdullayev noted that the national leader, who said "The multinational composition of the Azerbaijani population is our wealth and advantage. We appreciate and preserve it ", directed all his subsequent political activity to preserve this wealth for centuries.

He said Heydar Aliyev considered multiculturalism policy as part of democratic development. He viewed the protection of the rights and freedoms of national minorities as well as ethnic, cultural and religious values of the people belonging to different religions, in the context of fundamental human rights and freedoms, which are the main principles of democracy.

State Adviser also emphasized that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation implements important projects for the conservation and promotion of Azerbaijan’s multicultural traditions.

"It’s important to note projects such as "Strengthening the role of women in intercultural dialogue", "The role of culture in a globalizing world", "Peaceful coexistence in a multicultural world", "Azerbaijan - a space of tolerance", conducted on the initiative of the Azerbaijan`s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva,” he said.

Kamal Abdullayev added that thanks to the policy of multiculturalism and the progress achieved in this regard, Azerbaijan is an example for the countries of the world, including Western countries, known for their rich experience in this field.

“Although some politicians claim the failure of multiculturalism, an example of Azerbaijan shows it is alive. Maybe somewhere it crashed, but it still lives in Azerbaijan, and these trends and ideas got strengthened gaining greater support of society. Thank to this, Azerbaijan declared 2016 the Year of multiculturalism,” he noted.