The Diplomat
On the eve of the World Day for Tolerance, which is celebrated annually on 16 November, and with a view to promoting Azerbaijan’s multicultural traditions and presenting its model of tolerance, a delegation from this country participated in a series of events organized by the Fundación Magos in the Andalusian capital of Malaga with the support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
On Thursday, 14 November, at the Museum of the Holy Brotherhood in Malaga, an event entitled Azerbaijan, traditions of coexistence: from antiquity to the present day was organized, which included the intervention of Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the International Centre for Multiculturalism in Baku; Shneor Segal, Chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish community in Azerbaijan; Robert Mobili, Head of the Albanian-Udi Christian community; and Vladimir Bacha, Priest of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan.
The event was attended by about 60 representatives of art and culture, students, religious leaders, officials from the Malaga City Council and senior officials from Spain, representatives of different media, as well as from the Community of Andalusia.
According to a statement of the Azerbaijani Embassy, “participants were informed about the rich cultural mosaic and cultural diversity as well as the traditions of peaceful coexistence in Azerbaijan. The leaders of the religious denominations in this country shared their views on Azerbaijan, a country located at the crossroads of eastern and western civilizations, where various ethnic and religious groups live together in harmony”.
Later in his presentation, Ravan Hasanov gave information about the cultural environment “where the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities of Azerbaijan live together”. During the presentation, the executive director of the International Center for Multiculturalism in Baku shared the experiences of the Azeri country in policies for preservation of cultural heritage. He also explained to the participants the initiatives of the International Centre, which studies and promotes the values of multiculturalism, as well as “the attention given by the Government of Azerbaijan to educational programmes designed to inculcate the values of multiculturalism among young people”.
The event ended with an interactive question and answer session that allowed participants to learn more about the experiences of Azerbaijan. The event reported on Azerbaijan’s contribution “to interreligious dialogue and the activity of numerous mosques, churches and synagogues in Azerbaijan”. In conclusion, Ravan Hasanov once again reiterated “the commitment of Azerbaijan to the values of multiculturalism not only in politics but also in the way of life, reflected in all aspects of our society. As an Azerbaijani, he concluded, I would be honored to share this model with the world.”
