Jewish leaders in Azerbaijan highlight multiculturalism, religious tolerance

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations (SCWRO), met with key representatives of Azerbaijan’s Jewish communities, reinforcing the country's longstanding commitment to multiculturalism and religious tolerance.

The meeting included discussions with Milikh Yevdayev, Chairman of the Baku Religious Community of Mountain Jews; Shneor Segal, Chief Rabbi of the Baku Religious Community of European Jews; and Zamir Isayev, Chairman of the Baku Religious Community of Georgian Jews, Caliber.Az reports.

Mammadov emphasized that peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Azerbaijan’s diverse ethnic and religious groups are foundational principles of the nation. He highlighted the vital role Jewish communities have played in Azerbaijan’s socio-political, economic, and cultural life.

Mammadov credited the late national leader Heydar Aliyev with establishing a robust model of state-religious relations in the multi-ethnic and multi-confessional nation, a legacy that continues under President Ilham Aliyev. He also noted First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva’s significant contributions to promoting multicultural values and intercultural dialogue, further solidifying Azerbaijan’s reputation for religious freedom.

Milikh Yevdayev, representing the Mountain Jews of Baku, expressed gratitude for the Azerbaijani government's support, praising President Ilham Aliyev's efforts to foster mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Shneor Segal, Chief Rabbi of Baku’s European Jewish community, lauded the favorable conditions for religious communities, acknowledging Azerbaijan’s success in maintaining high levels of tolerance and coexistence. Zamir Isayev, representing the Georgian Jews, pointed out that Azerbaijan serves as a global model for multiculturalism and tolerance, particularly for European countries.

Background information

The Jewish community in Azerbaijan, which has thrived for centuries, plays a crucial role in the country’s socio-cultural fabric. Azerbaijan is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the Muslim world, with deep historical roots dating back over 2,000 years.

The country's Jewish population is composed of Mountain Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, and Georgian Jews, all of whom have lived in harmony with other ethnic groups. The Azerbaijani government’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious freedom has made it possible for these communities to flourish.

In recent years, the Jewish community in Azerbaijan has also played a significant role in fostering strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Israel. The two nations share strategic interests, particularly in security and energy cooperation, and their relationship has deepened as a result of shared concerns over regional stability.

The positive example set by the Jewish community in Azerbaijan underscores the broader theme of Azerbaijan as a model of religious tolerance and intercultural dialogue in a region often marked by conflict. This unique relationship has contributed to the rapprochement of Azerbaijan and Israel, strengthening their bilateral ties on multiple fronts.