The recent actions of our religious compatriots living in Georgia are attracting attention. A group of ethnic Azerbaijanis, who are citizens of the neighboring country, recently held a protest with photos of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei in their hands. They chanted slogans in support of Iran in front of the Iranian Embassy in Georgia.
Yesterday, Azerbaijani religious figures did not participate in the iftar dinner organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Georgia. This was stated by Faiq Huseynov, Azerbaijan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia.
“A number of religious figures and spiritual compatriots whom we invited to our iftar gathering are not among us and cannot participate due to prohibitions imposed on them by certain circles,” he expressed his dissatisfaction.
Ceyhun Mammadov, a member of the Public Associations and Religious Organizations Committee of the Azerbaijani National Assembly, stated in a declaration to Modern.az that the issue is quite serious:
“Even back in 2003, when I was working at the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, we were seriously engaged with this issue. At that time, the activities of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) in Georgia were restricted. An institution named the Georgian Muslims Office was established there. The point is that for many years, no work has been done with Azerbaijanis living in Georgia. Although alarm bells have been rung repeatedly, no necessary steps have been taken in this direction. Over time, Azerbaijanis living there have fallen under significant influence. Iran has become even stronger and more entrenched there. In the subsequent period, I raised this issue repeatedly. While we were working at the Institute of Theology, we carried out certain activities in this direction. I believe that one of the main reasons for such a situation arising there today is the lack of close engagement with our compatriots. That is, the same problem exists with Azerbaijanis living in Turkey as well.”
Ceyhun Mammadov believes that the main responsibility here lies with the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations:
“The State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and its subordinate bodies must conduct serious work with Azerbaijanis there. Gaps have emerged in this matter. The Iranian side has skillfully exploited these gaps. I have given several interviews to the press regarding this. I have sounded the alarm that there are many issues concerning us there. Unfortunately, the measures taken have been formal in nature. That is, visits have been organized, meetings have been held, but no other serious steps have been taken. That is why we are experiencing today's problem. I believe that the relevant bodies should finally work closely with Georgian Azerbaijanis and establish serious communication.
Our embassy is working and taking certain steps. However, the work done by our embassy is not sufficient. Both the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and the State Committee for Work with Diaspora must engage in serious activity. Coordinated work must be carried out. The essence of the matter is that those regions are already completely under Iran's influence, and this influence is growing steadily. We must initiate the process in a measured and well-thought-out manner so that these processes do not turn against Azerbaijan in the next period. Currently, the situation is not at all encouraging.”
Ceyhun Mammadov has put forward his proposals:
“First of all, it is necessary to listen to the people there. I have been to Georgia and had meetings with people from that circle, even with some members of the leadership of the Georgian Muslims Office. It is necessary to listen to those people and provide the necessary support. This refers to both moral and material support. Accusing them merely of "working for Iran" does not solve the problem.
What are their concerns, what do they need, what do they expect from us? Answers to all these questions must be found. They have serious expectations from us. For example, when we were at the Institute of Theology, we started a project there. Every year, we brought 3-4 students from Georgia to study here. Later, that project was not continued with much success. 2-3 of those students have returned and are working there. I believe that our capabilities are not exhausted; we can still work. Simply, systematic, consistent, and continuous work must be carried out.”
