Baku hosts international conference on Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's legacy

The First International Scientific-Practical Conference dedicated to Azerbaijani thinker and scholar Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi has been held in Baku as part of the 7th meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

According to Report, the conference, organized by the Caucasus Muslims' Board (CMB), brought together nearly 200 religious figures, members of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, scholars, state and government officials, and representatives of the public and media from around 40 countries and 18 international organizations.

Participants discussed Bakuvi's scientific, philosophical and spiritual legacy, his role in the intellectual and Sufi traditions of the Islamic world, and the relevance of his heritage in the modern era.

Opening the conference, CMB Chairman Allahshukur Pashazadeh stressed that international events promoting religious and spiritual stability, inter-sectarian understanding and intra-Islamic dialogue are particularly relevant and necessary at a time when terrorism, separatism and radicalism threaten human civilization and manifestations of xenophobia, Islamophobia and the misuse of religion are increasing.

He said the conference dedicated to Seyid Yahya Bakuvi also provides an opportunity to become acquainted with the ancient history, culture, and national and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev said Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's legacy is an important part of the shared spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Turkic and Islamic worlds.

He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding among religious institutions of OTS countries.

Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized the importance of Bakuvi's legacy in promoting values such as peace, compassion, moderation and human dignity.

He said differences should serve as an opportunity for mutual understanding and cooperation rather than confrontation and hatred.

Türkiye's Minister of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş said shared language, history, culture and spiritual heritage are among the main values uniting the Turkic world.

He stressed the importance of passing the spiritual heritage inherited from previous generations on to future generations.

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee on Religious Associations, said the Azerbaijani government's particular attention to cooperation within the OTS, as well as Azerbaijan's hosting and support, had helped ensure close and effective contacts among member states on a continuing basis.

Mammadov noted that one important step in this direction was the first meeting of heads of state bodies responsible for religious affairs in OTS countries, held in Shusha on June 30 this year.

He said making the platform's activities systematic and consistent and turning these ties into a traditional model of cooperation are among the key strategic priorities.

The conference also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation to preserve the rich religious and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and the Turkic-Islamic world and pass it on to future generations.

A book-album titled "The Summit of Brotherhood and Alliance," described as significant for the Turkic world, was also presented at the international conference.

Authored by CMB Chairman Allahshukur Pashazadeh, the publication was issued in Azerbaijani and Uzbek and is intended to highlight efforts by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to preserve and develop spiritual heritage and Islamic values in the recent history of the two brotherly peoples, friendly and allied states.

The conference also featured presentations of the CMB publications in Azerbaijani and English.

It was also announced that a film devoted to moderate Islamic values and Bakuvi's legacy will be produced based on the conference materials.

The international conference will continue with section meetings on September 15.