Azerbaijani official calls for coordinated OTS response to foreign influence

A complex geopolitical environment, growing Islamophobia, xenophobia and religious radicalism, along with foreign ideological influence in the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), require member states to adopt a coordinated approach, Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee on Religious Associations, has said.

Speaking at an event dedicated to Azerbaijani thinker and scholar Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, held in Baku, he noted that they should, as a main goal, protect the Turkic world, where young people make up more than 40% of the population, from such influences and instil in our youth a proper understanding of Islam, coexistence and harmony based on sound scientific knowledge and traditional spiritual values, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

According to him, the Turkic world's millennia-old history and tradition of peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity are among the major strengths of Turkic peoples.

He pointed to the Communiqué adopted in Shusha following the first meeting of OTS member states' bodies responsible for religious affairs as a roadmap for addressing these challenges.

"The document identifies as important areas the regulation of state-religion relations on the basis of secularism, the establishment of joint awareness mechanisms against radical content and disinformation in the digital space, and the expansion of academic partnerships among our religious educational institutions," he stressed.

Mammadov frther stated that achieving strategic goals in state-religion relations depends on preparing qualified specialists capable of meeting modern demands.

He recalled that the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology was established under the State Committee on Religious Associations by presidential order to meet the need for qualified theology specialists and support the academic development of theological studies.

"In accordance with its mission, the institute is guided by the principles of transparency, impartiality, high academic quality, tolerance and multiculturalism. Our main goal is to train religious figures who preserve our national and moral values while respecting all confessions and possessing scientific knowledge and a strong sense of public responsibility," Mammadov added.

He also said the role of religious figures extends beyond performing religious rituals, noting their responsibility for society's spiritual well-being, particularly in helping young people gain sound religious knowledge and promoting tolerance and coexistence.

"They need to explain religious values correctly and on a scientific basis, taking into account the nature of modern challenges, actively participate in awareness-raising efforts against radical and extremist ideologies, and contribute to strengthening spiritual solidarity in society," he emphasised.

In his words, religious figures can help counter superstition and foreign ideological influence, safeguard national and moral values and foster patriotism among young people.

He also highlighted the role of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations within the OTS in strengthening the spiritual unity of Turkic peoples and promoting Islamic values.

According to Mammadov, the new cooperation mechanism among state bodies responsible for religious affairs complements the work of religious administrations with legal, institutional and ideological security measures, helping develop a shared ideological vision and stronger spiritual solidarity.

"Such effective coordination at the interstate level creates broad opportunities to counter contemporary threats, foreign ideological interference, radicalism and Islamophobia," he clarified.

Mammadov further announced that Azerbaijan plans to host an international symposium next year dedicated to the legacy of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. The event will be organised by the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov