The days of Tasua and Ashura, observed by our compatriots living in Georgia in connection with the month of Muharram, have become a very serious topic of discussion on social networks. Iranian symbols, including pictures of the late Supreme Religious Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, were actively used in the ceremonies. Thus, the discussions moved to the parliamentary level. Even the Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament commented on the issue.
It has been claimed on social networks in Georgia and Azerbaijan that our religious compatriots in Georgia are under Iranian influence.
Modern.az contacted Rafiq Aliyev, former chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, regarding the issue.
In his statement to our website, the former chairman stated that Iran's influence on Azerbaijani Muslims in Georgia is very strong:
"Here we can talk about the influences of Turkey and Iran. However, from a religious point of view, the country with the most influence is Iran. Representatives from Iran go to Georgia, and these representatives establish and maintain relations with the religious people there. Even religious figures there travel to and from Iran. I think financial aid is also provided. In terms of religious influence, Turkey and Saudi Arabia lag behind. The main reason for Turkey's lagging behind is related to the fact that most of our compatriots in Georgia are Shiites. Because the religious people here do their own work, they build mosques. They have long since separated from the Caucasus Muslims Office and created their own office - the All-Georgia Muslims Office."
R. Aliyev emphasized that Iran's influence will gradually strengthen:
"Religious issues in Georgia will become even stronger. I cannot say how much benefit and harm this will bring us. In any case, this may create a problem for Georgia."
