On July 24, 2026, a scientific seminar titled "Promoting a Culture of Respect for Diversity and Mutual Understanding" was held at Sheki Regional Scientific Center (RSC) of ANAS. The event was jointly organized by Sheki RSC, Sheki-Zaqatala Regional Department of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, the Caucasus Muslims Office’s representative office for Sheki-Oghuz districts, and the Youth and Sports Sector of Sheki.

Participants in the seminar included representatives from Sheki-Zaqatala Regional Department of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations and the Caucasus Muslims Office (Sheki-Oghuz region), staff from Sheki City Youth and Sports Sector, as well as scientists and specialists from Sheki RSC.

The primary objective of the seminar was to promote national-moral values, preserve traditions of multiculturalism and tolerance, and instill these values in the younger generation. Opening the event, Kamil Adishirinov—Director of Sheki Regional Scientific Center, Doctor of Philology, and docent—greeted the guests and emphasized the significant role that the traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism, cultivated by Azerbaijani people over centuries, play within the system of national and spiritual values. He noted that Islamic values and the principle of respect for diverse religions and cultures are reflected in Azerbaijani literature as well as in the history of philosophical and socio-political thought.

In his report, the Director highlighted how the great Azerbaijani thinker Nizami Ganjavi promoted universal values and ideals of justice in his poems “Seven Beauties” and “Iskandarnama”. He also drew attention to how humanism, spiritual perfection, and respect for religious and cultural diversity are prioritized in the works of prominent figures such as Mahmud Shabistari, Imadaddin Nasimi, Shah Ismail Khatai, Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, and Samad Vurgun.

Kamil Adishirinov emphasized that multiculturalism is a key pillar of state policy in modern Azerbaijan. He noted that the policy regarding the preservation of national and spiritual values, initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, is being successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev. It was noted that the President's decrees and initiatives regarding the preservation of religious values, the strengthening of solidarity among religious communities, and the fostering of an environment of tolerance serve to further reinforce the atmosphere of mutual respect in the country.

Speaking at the seminar, Kamran Mammadov, the gazi for Sheki-Oghuz region of the Caucasus Muslims Office, emphasized that throughout history, the Azerbaijani people have remained committed to their national and spiritual values, traditions of religious tolerance, and spirit of patriotism. He stated that the people of Azerbaijan are patriotic and humane, remaining true to the spiritual values inherited from their ancestors.

The orator stated that research conducted at Sheki Regional Scientific Center regarding the deep familiarity of several Sheki religious figures with secular sciences has reaffirmed these facts. He noted that these religious figures were not merely bearers of religious knowledge but also thinkers who contributed to the enlightenment of society.

In his speech, Kamran Mammadov discussed the efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to preserve religious and spiritual values and foster equal treatment for all religious denominations in the country, highlighting that this policy is being successfully continued today. He emphasized that representatives of various religions and peoples in Azerbaijan live in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, and that the country is recognized globally as a model of multiculturalism and tolerance.

Saleh Mammadov, a leading advisor at Sheki-Zaqatala Regional Department of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations, spoke at the seminar and stated that the traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan have deep historical roots. He noted that these traditions began to take shape as early as the era of Caucasian Albania and were preserved throughout subsequent historical periods. The speaker stated that during the era of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the principle of equality was upheld regarding representatives of various nationalities living in the country—including Polish, Russian, and Armenian communities—and conditions were created for their representation in socio-political life. He confidently asserted that this fact serves as a significant example of Azerbaijan’s historical respect for diverse peoples and religions.

In his speech, Saleh Mammadov discussed the values symbolized by the three colors of the State Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noting that the ideals of Turkism, modernity, and Islamic solidarity form the moral foundations of our society. Touching specifically upon the role of women in society, he remarked that both the Islamic faith and national-moral values advocate for deep respect and regard for women. The speaker highlighted the high status accorded to women in Islam and the significant place held in Turkic thought by the concept that “a mother's right is God's right”. He added that the granting of voting rights to women by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic stands as a historic example of the value placed on women's rights in the country, and noted that today, women continue to achieve significant success in fields such as science, education, public administration, and sports.

In his speech, Saleh Mammadov highlighted the significant contribution made by multiculturalism centers operating in Azerbaijan to the development of dialogue among diverse cultures. He emphasized that the projects implemented by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to promote the country's model of tolerance and multiculturalism on the international stage have played a vital role in enhancing Azerbaijan's global standing.

The speaker also pointed to Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of international sporting events—specifically the European Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games—as significant evidence of the high level of development regarding multicultural values, interfaith dialogue, and traditions of mutual cooperation within the country.

Furthermore, Saleh Mammadov noted the unity demonstrated by representatives of all peoples and ethnic groups living in Azerbaijan in support of the country's territorial integrity during the Patriotic War, describing this as a clear example of solidarity and national unity within Azerbaijani society. Citing the settlement of Nij in Gabala district as a successful example of religious tolerance in the country, the speaker highlighted how the Udi community there preserves its religious and cultural heritage and how various places of worship operate in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

In his concluding remarks, Saleh Mammadov noted that if every member of society fulfills their duties responsibly, the stability, development, and environment of mutual respect in the country will be further strengthened.

Speaking at the seminar, Sabahat Baghirova, Chief Advisor of the Youth and Sports Sector for the city of Sheki, stated that safeguarding the moral and physical well-being of young people is a key priority of the state youth policy. She emphasized that raising patriotic youth who possess a sound mindset and are committed to national and moral values is of vital importance for the future development of society.

Sabahat Baghirova also noted that consistent awareness-raising initiatives are being implemented to promote values such as love for the homeland, national identity, tolerance, and mutual respect among the youth. It was stated that scientific seminars, meetings, and other educational projects organized in this area make a significant contribution to shaping a healthy worldview among young people, strengthening their commitment to national and moral values, and fostering their development into citizens who are beneficial to society.

Yusif Rahimov, a staff member of Sheki Regional Scientific Center, spoke at the seminar and thanked the organizers for arranging such an educational event. He emphasized the event's importance in promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and national-moral values within society.

Yusif Rahimov noted that such seminars—held with the participation of various government agencies and representatives from the scientific and religious communities—contribute significantly to raising public awareness, shaping a healthy worldview among the younger generation, and strengthening mutual understanding between religions and cultures. He also highlighted the importance of continuing to hold events on this topic in the future. At the conclusion of the event, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Kamran Mammadov, the gazi of Sheki-Oghuz region for the Caucasus Muslims Office, in recognition of his fruitful cooperation with the Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS and his contributions to joint scientific and educational activities.