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2016.11.006. KARIMLI VUGAR GARAJAYEV OGLY. MULTICULTURALISM, INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AND TOLERANCE IN AZERBAIJAN // «II Bigievskie Chteniya - 2015. Musulmanskaya Mysl v 21 veke: Edinstvo traditsii I obnovleniya: Proceedings of the II International Scientific and Educational Conference, St. Petersburg, 17-20 May 2015 ". - Moskva, 2016. - P. 363-369.
Keywords: multiculturalism,
Azerbaijan, interreligious dialogue, tolerance, globalization, Islamophobia, terrorism, the West.
Karimli Vugar Garajayev Ogly,
Ph. D. (Cultural Studies), Institute of Architecture and Art, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
In the modern world the problem of intercultural and interreligious dialogue is particularly acute in the context of globalization, - says Vugar Garajayev ogly Kerimli. A few years ago Europe was trying to build a system that became known as "multiculturalism", i.e. a system of a multicultural society, where different cultures and religions could coexist within a single country or a whole region, possessing full rights and responsibilities. Ideas of tolerance, recognition of minority rights, maintenance of national identity are the foundations of multiculturalism. There is alienation of different groups, loss of society of entire communities, growing confrontation between different cultures, inter-ethnic strife in Europe, which sought to create a common social, economic and political space of communications. But such a tolerant position of the state does not provide a basis for the consolidation of the society, since there is no common platform to unite disparate groups of people committed to different views and orientations, which leads to the disintegration of society into many separate communities with their own laws, rules and values.
"Cartoon scandal", broke out in Denmark in early 2006, showed the fragility of the balance achieved there. Another wave
of violent disputes arose around the vote on the construction of minarets in Switzerland. Political delimitation is compounded by legislative initiatives aimed at regulating the presence of religious symbols in public places. France became the pioneer, where the relevant measures were introduced in public schools in 2004: fierce debate and protests of the Muslim community were caused by the ban on "hijab". In summer 2010, the French Parliament voted to ban "burqa" and "niqab" (clothes, completely covering the body and the face of a woman). The practice on prohibitions causes the growth of sense of dissatisfaction, not only in the Muslim world. Europe has seriously thought over the question of the limits of tolerance and its correlation with human rights, ensuring social security and the personal safety of its citizens. We know that democratic institutions function effectively on the basis of the social contract embodied in the Constitution, rules of law, in the unwritten rules of behavior of citizens in public life. The important elements of such an agreement are mutual confidence and mutual obligations of the parties. The issue of overcoming civil and social exclusion of those who focused on a different cultural tradition, has been put sharply before the modern state in terms of social and cultural fragmentation of human experience and "weakening the social field."
The author notes that Azerbaijan is a unique example of peaceful coexistence and cooperation of representatives of many nations and faiths. Conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds, such as religious extremism and Islamophobia, attempts to transform religion into an instrument of political ambitions, are a reality in a rapidly globalizing world. Therefore, a certain educational role of religion in society, a consolidating mission of religion in international relations, need for inter-civilizational and interfaith dialogue are becoming increasingly important.
Historically, different religions were formed and existed peacefully and freely in Azerbaijan. And today the systematic and harmonious religious policy is carried in the country.
The international prestige of Azerbaijan grows through the achievement of such harmony. All Christians, regardless of faiths and denominations are "Ahl al-Kitab" - "People of the Scripture" from the Islamic point of view.
The Koran says that "Ahl al-Kitab" deserve special respectful attitude by the faithful. Various ethnic and religious groups co-exist in peace in Azerbaijan, where the majority of the population is muslim. Friendly relations bring together representatives of all the peoples and religions in the country throughout history. Cultural and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people played an important role in the fact that people of different religions have lived in Azerbaijan in peace and friendship throughout the ages, and ethnic and cultural diversity has survived to the present day. Today, this system of values is strengthened even more, when the republic is developing as an independent state. Azerbaijan as a multinational and multi-confessional state attaches great importance to the development of relations, bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the international arena. The religious policy of the government of Azerbaijan is based on building a democratic state; on principles of regulation of state-religious relations in the national-spiritual and legal plane. Freedom of conscience and religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the country, like all freedoms. Today, houses of worship of all faiths - mosques, churches, synagogues, etc. - operate in conditions of freedom and tolerance in Azerbaijan.
The Council of Europe is one of the most influential organizations and Azerbaijan shows great interest in cooperation with it. The successful reforms in the economic and political spheres turned the country into a worthy member of the big European family, ensuring the strengthening of Azerbaijan's position as a regional leader and as a country with a unique model of religious tolerance. Azerbaijan pays special attention to the intercultural dialogue within the Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, it continues activities against
discrimination and intolerance in Europe by means of dialogue and mutual understanding between the people who are carriers of different religions and cultures in the world where extremism and radicalism is boosted by religious grounds. Azerbaijan has always paid great importance to national and universal values. Respect for the religious and spiritual heritage; a dialogue of different cultures, traditions of tolerance in the country are at a high level. Azerbaijan is in focus of attention of the world not only because of economic, political and diplomatic successes, but also for its religious and spiritual life. Inter-religious friendship, brotherhood and cooperation - these are the realities of the country. Azerbaijan's successes in this area, that can be an example for the whole world, determine the correct construction of the state-religious relations in the country. The tolerance is supported at the state level in Azerbaijan. People belonging to different religions see themselves as an integral part of society and feel the attention, care and protection of the state equally. The head of state of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attaches great importance to religious leaders, places of worship, takes care of them. Azerbaijan organizes events dedicated to the inter-religious dialogue. Politicians, scientists, religious leaders from around the world arrive in Baku to participate in them. In 2010, the World Summit of Religious Leaders was held in Azerbaijan. Highranking religious leaders, representing all traditional religious centers of the world, took part in it. In 2015 an international conference "Islamic Enlightenment and the modern period" was held in Baku. The President of Azerbaijan is the initiator of the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which is held every two years, an active promoter of the idea of multiculturalism in the world. Heydar Aliyev Foundation owns the merits in promoting the traditions of tolerance, cultural and spiritual heritage. Today, multiculturalism is not just a political slogan for Azerbaijan. This is the norm that unites all, a way of life of the Azerbaijani people.
The author writes that neo-Nazism is not just a hatred of others, but also a threat to the world. Racism underlies it, as well
as the basis of many problems of mankind. And as a result, wars occur in the world. Neo-Nazism has no nationality. It threatens to anyone, to any representative of any nation and religion, not having the attitude towards Islam, it carries on terror under the cover of religion. Today there are about 80 armed conflicts in the world. Unfortunately, most of them occur in Islamic countries. The confrontation between the religious sects, available today, is not a problem of Islam in reality. This confrontation results in religious conflicts. The activities of radical groups are aimed at the defamation of Islam and generally lead to Islamophobia in the West.
Azerbaijan is an integral part of the Islamic civilization. Azerbaijan's role in the development of the Islamic education is undeniable. At the present time of provocation and radical movements, hiding behind the name of Islam, are stopped in the country.
Today, Islam is widespread all over the world. It has an impact on social and political life in the world. The Islamic religion calls to resolve the existing conflicts and problems as well. It is necessary to unite all the nations and religions to solve the world's problems - the author writes.
The author of the abstract - E. Dmitrieva.
