Cavanşir Paşazadə: "If you don't state the problem, it means you don't support state policy"
"Even 20 years ago, they used to say that I was supposedly involved in the potato-onion business"
"The young generation must understand that materialism is not everything"
Interviews with deputies in the Azerbaijani media are usually limited to legislative initiatives, political processes, and the parliamentary agenda. However, a deputy is also the person who is most closely acquainted with the life of the region they were elected from, its people, and their problems.
Modern.az website's “Region through the eyes of a deputy” project goes a little beyond politics and takes the reader into the inner world of the regions.
This time, the guest of the project is Cavanşir Paşazadə, the deputy of the 76th Lankaran - Masally electoral district.
- Mr. Javanshir, you have been a deputy since 2005. What has changed in the regions you represent and in the Milli Majlis since then?
- 2005 is remembered as a very difficult period in the Milli Majlis. At that time, most regions of the country had problems with gas, electricity, and roads. When meeting with voters, they told us that they should at least be provided with electricity and water for 2 hours a day. Today, these problems have been solved in the regions and mountainous districts. Even in the most remote regions, there is gas, electricity, and water.
- We talked about the problems from 20 years ago, but what are the main problems in those regions now?
- I wouldn't say that everything is in order in the regions. If there were 100-120 houses in each village in 2005, now there are 200-250 houses. As villages merge with each other, the provision of roads, water, and gas to houses becomes more difficult. Various problems are raised every year. I also raised the most serious issues related to the region during the budget discussion. There is a difference between the government and the state. We must raise these problems before the government. Some say that raising a problem is going against state policy. No, it's quite the opposite; if you don't state the problem, it means you don't support state policy. Today, the roads connecting the villages of Gil, Veravul, Khil, and Masally district need repair, and the allocation of additional budget funds for this is necessary. Farmers face difficulties due to delays in agricultural machinery and fertilizers, medical points in some villages are in a deplorable state, and some schools have no heating system at all.
- As a deputy, you represent the district. How many times a month do you visit those regions, is it difficult for you? And what issues do your constituents mainly raise?
- I attend meetings and convey information. I have a meeting in Lankaran on December 15th. I will try to go to Masally on the same day. At the meetings, they want to discuss budget issues; some of the appeals are related to disability and social matters. The main issue raised concerns shared land plots. This exists not only in Lankaran and Masally but throughout Azerbaijan. The problem arose in the 1990s, and its consequences persist today, meaning the shared land plots were not distributed correctly.
- The population of each region differs from one another; in this regard, what are the main differences among the people of the Lankaran-Masally region you represent?
- There are places where people are very patient, respectful of others, and do not hurt feelings. There are also those who are very impatient. But for everyone, their own region is dearer than others. The people of our region are very hardworking and attached to the land. First and foremost, hospitality must be mentioned. If you go to our parts and knock on anyone's door, they will invite you into their home. In our parts, rice dishes are usually cooked twice a week. This tradition has continued for a long time. Of course, I must also specifically mention our lavangi, which is known to everyone. Furthermore, since we live on the shores of the Caspian Sea, our cuisine is also rich in fish dishes. We really like fish dishes. All dishes in Lankaran cuisine have their unique place. You might prefer the cuisine of Sheki or another region. Of course, this varies from person to person.
- You were born and raised in Lankaran. In addition to this district, you also represent Masally in parliament. How do these two districts differ from each other?
- Although they are bordering districts and even have adjacent villages, significant differences can be observed. There is a village in Masally where all four sides are Talysh villages, but they do not speak Talysh. If they don't know the Talysh language, it means there has been no communication. In terms of table culture, Lankaran cuisine has always been completely different as a region. Since Lankaran was a center, people traveled a lot. Before the Great Patriotic War, Lankaran had solidarity relations with European countries. There is a place called Fereshtad in Lankaran city, which means "city center" in German. Only Germans lived there.
- Speaking of the Talysh language, can you speak this language with your constituents?
- Of course, I can. I speak Talysh with those who are Talysh, and Azerbaijani with those who cannot speak this language.
- And can you get along with the Talysh people?
- I am a person who can get along with everyone.
- Who complains the most?
- In this sense, no one stands out from another.
- People in the southern region are very religious. This tendency is said to have brought early marriages and consanguineous marriages for many years. What do you think?
- This issue has been discussed for many years. My colleagues in parliament have also voiced opinions regarding the early marriage of girls and truancy in the Lankaran region. My father had 9 daughters, all of whom finished school, and 4 of them even received vocational education. This was because his means were sufficient to educate them to that extent; undoubtedly, if he had more strength and means, he would have educated all of them. In the class I attended, there were 24 girls and 4 boys. I lived in a village, and our school was 8 years long. People saw that they would not be able to afford to educate their children for 11 years, and as a result, the children, knowing this, engaged in household chores or other work. As for the issue of marrying off minors, my sisters got married at the ages of 18, 20, and 24. This process exists everywhere, but let me say that such a thing did not exist years ago. Early marriage increased after the inclination towards wealth grew. They say that so-and-so has such-and-such property in Russia, such-and-such a house, but he doesn't go and get married there; even though he is living the life he sees there, he himself doesn't want his wife to be like that. That's why he comes and marries a girl who has just finished 10th grade. The girl's family also says that he has wealth, a house, and a car, so go and live well.
- Mr. Javanshir, you also have children. Where did they study, and where do they work?
- I have one daughter and two sons. One of my sons is in the police, holding a high rank. My daughter is a philologist and works as a teacher. My other son lives and works in Istanbul. He used to work in court here. Later, he went to Great Britain to study marine brokerage, and after working in logistics there for some time, he established his own company in Istanbul. All my grandchildren have studied. Three of them live in Istanbul, and two of my grandchildren are in England for their education. One of my grandchildren studied in Istanbul and now works as a sector manager at the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation. The others are younger. My youngest grandchild's name is Esmamalak. She comes and tells me lies every day (laughs).
- Do you have a child or grandchild whom you would like to follow in your footsteps?
- My work is politics, and so far, no one has come close to it. One of my grandchildren is studying foreign policy in England. But he will decide where he wants to work.
- Every region of Azerbaijan has its unique customs and traditions. What are your favorite and least favorite customs and traditions within Lankaran-Masally?
- If there is a custom or tradition, it should be appreciated. Even if it doesn't fit the era, it should be approached with respect. I lived in Uzbekistan for some time. If we compare their traditions with ours, I would say, I wish their traditions were ours, similar to theirs. They have more respect for elders and more hospitality than we do.
- The process of simplifying wedding and funeral ceremonies has begun in the country; what is the situation in the Lankaran-Masally region?
- Everyone conducts them as they wish, may God bless them all. So, in this regard, we are “lagging behind.”
- In general, what is your attitude towards simplifying funerals?
- Now there are those who simplify them, and those who don't. If previously the 3rd and 7th-day ceremonies were held separately, now they combine the two. My father used to say that throughout his life, he attended funeral ceremonies, and at all of them, they brought him a glass of tea. If anyone comes to my funeral, they should also be offered tea. That's how it should be. Otherwise, no one will come to the funeral.
- When speaking with deputies about the regions, they mainly complain about fake, fraudulent mullahs...
- If you call every person with a hat on their head and a beard on their face a mullah, then that's how it should be. If you can distinguish a beggar, then why can't you distinguish a mullah?
- In cemeteries, they themselves say, "We are mullahs, let's recite Yasin..."
- The word mullah means "teacher." Would he allow himself to say, "Give 5 manats, and let's recite the Quran?"
- Previously, the Caucasus Muslims Office appointed the akhunds to mosques. Later, this authority was taken away from the office. Now, the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations exercises this authority. Do you see any differences in its implementation?
- No, I don't see any difference. When it comes to the withdrawal of powers, it doesn't signify anything serious. The Caucasus Muslims Office checks the scientific aspect, while the Religious Committee issues the order. We should not interfere in matters of Sharia. In Azerbaijan, religion is separate from the state. However, in this matter, it seems as if we have interfered in religious affairs.
- Did the Sheikh argue with you on this matter?
- No, we don't discuss such matters with the Sheikh. You might not know him well.
- As for the issue of going to Hajj, the Caucasus Muslims Office still controls it.
- Quotas are granted with the consent of the Caucasus Muslims Office. This is regulated in every state in this way. Our quota is very small – places are allocated for 500-600 people.
- Have you been to Hajj?
- Yes.
- How many times?
- As many times as God has willed.
- Mr. Javanshir, your name, as well as the Sheikh's, is often mentioned in various business sectors.
- What kind of business could we be involved in? We have established such a large state; if such a thing were true, the state would never turn a blind eye to it. The Sheikh has represented the country all over the world. If such a situation existed, they would not allow him to represent Azerbaijan, let alone leave the country.
- Scandalous articles related to the Sheikh's name are often published in the press. Has he complained to you about this?
- This issue bothers neither him nor me. Even 20 years ago, they used to say that I was supposedly involved in the potato-onion business. Then, for a while, my name was mentioned in the carpet business. Now I see there's no more room left. They use my name when someone's place is lost. Recently, they called from television saying that 5 people working in your restaurant are complaining. What restaurant do I have? But the reporter says they were informed it's my restaurant, and he goes and believes it. For a while, they even tried to smuggle goods through customs, using my name. We are already used to such things.
- One of the main issues on the country's agenda is Ramiz Mehdiyev. The names of many public and political figures are associated with this person, who has been in the political arena for a long time. There are even deputies among them. It is interesting to know what your relationship and that of Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade with Ramiz Mehdiyev have been like?
- I have had no connection with him whatsoever. We have never even met. Allahshukur Pashazade was the Sheikh-ul-Islam. Both of them performed certain duties. It is possible that they had a relationship. But these relationships were related to state matters. There can be no other topic.
- Is your only source of income being a deputy?
- I previously had small businesses both in the country and abroad. That was my main source of income, and now my children are involved.
- If you have given it to your children, does that mean your main source of income is your deputy's salary?
- Yes.
- Some of your colleagues complained about the low deputy's salary, what about you?
- I wouldn't say that. It's enough, thank God.
- You are the head of the Azerbaijan-United Arab Emirates inter-parliamentary relations working group. There is a perception in society that deputies have the opportunity to establish good businesses in such countries.
- Our country cooperates with the United Arab Emirates in the energy sector. We already have agreements for the creation of certain structures, new technologies, and in the agricultural sector. There are agreements worth nearly 5 billion between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. Relations are gradually forming in agriculture, energy, and tourism. Such a high level of relations between the countries stems from the trust and friendship between the two heads of state, which opens up new opportunities for all of us to expand relations in the future.
- There is an assertion that deputies, as well as religious figures, will soon visit Armenia. Would you and the Sheikh like to participate in such meetings?
- First and foremost, let me answer on my own behalf that I am always ready to implement our state's policy. Our head of state wants to resolve the issue with Armenia peacefully, and sooner or later, we must achieve this. The sooner the process begins, the faster people will draw closer to each other. We are a victorious country, and for this reason, we must take on certain issues. We must show our greatness and not carry enmity to the very end. We are ready to demonstrate our state's position in relations not only with Armenia but also with other countries to achieve peace, reconciliation, and development. Although I am not the Sheikh's press secretary, I can say that for 30 years, meetings have been held in Moscow and other regions with the Catholicos and religious leaders of Armenia. During the time of both the current patriarch and the previous one, meetings were held for the purpose of exchanging and releasing prisoners and stopping the war. They also had meetings in the Vatican. These issues were even discussed at a large conference held in Spain. However, during the 44-day Patriotic War, the Armenian Catholicos carrying a weapon and calling soldiers to war and death was an act unbecoming of a religious figure. Because if a person is religious, they should call people to peace and reconciliation. Last month, His Eminence Sheikh-ul-Islam held several major meetings in the USA. 22,000 people participated in the conferences. Of course, if necessary, the Sheikh-ul-Islam would also go to Armenia and represent Azerbaijan's position. Numerous steps have been taken towards these meetings to date.
- Among the Sheikh's children and grandchildren, can anyone replace him in the future?
- In our family, there has always been a connection to religion from the beginning. But there hasn't been a fully religious person in our lineage. The Sheikh's family reads the Quran, and his daughters perform namaz (prayer). But there is no one in the family who can continue the Sheikh's path.
- Let's return to the region. Your views differ from the mindset of young people. Can your young constituents contact you via social media?
- Many do. They also come when I go to meetings. Today's youth are far, far ahead of us. Whether in terms of worldview, conditions, or prospects. Azerbaijan has a very healthy and reliable future. In this sense, I have great faith in them. But sometimes, young people later blame others for the path they chose. At that time, they also told me to go sell vegetables, and look after livestock. But I started from a small position - as a brigadier - and slowly reached these days. Now our main problem is the migration of young people from villages, as well as from the country. Today, our young people are not getting married. We will see the consequences of this in 20 years. Young people are more inclined to study and work abroad. This will also turn into a problem. The future cannot exist without youth.
- Divorces have also increased in our country in recent years. What is the situation in the southern region?
- As in our country, there is currently an increase in the number of divorces in the southern region. This is because young people seek someone superior to their own level – in terms of opportunities, job, and income.
- What would be your recommendations to young people, based on your personal experience?
- If I had thought like you, I wouldn't be married now. But I got married when I turned 25. Since I haven't lived in Azerbaijan, my worldview is also different. I have never complained; whatever God has given, I have been grateful for. Wherever I was, I thought that I should go to my family, to my mother. That attachment is not as strong in today's youth. The young generation must understand that materialism is not everything. When starting a family, shared views, worldview, and education are more important. Young people should not turn small things into problems; they should treat each other with respect. When there is any problem, they should be patient. If this happens, everything will be fine.
- From time to time, we also read news in the press about radical religiosity in the southern region…
- The majority of people in Azerbaijan have adopted Islam. But if we look at the processes happening in the world, we see that thousands of people change their religion in a single day. There can be both Muslims and Christians in one family. This has always been and should be the case. The main question is whether we approach this radically. Our negative point is that people are ashamed of their religion. Christians wear a cross around their necks, while we lower our hands when saying “Allahu Akbar” so that no one sees. A religious person cannot be radical towards their state or people. These are people who follow someone, receive a monthly salary, falsely grow beards, and falsely perform namaz.
- The region you represent is located on the border with Iran. It is also known that narcotic substances are transited from Iran to Azerbaijan. How prevalent are negative habits in Lankaran and Masally?
- It's the same as everywhere else. I saw this when I went to the USA. Of course, we must prevent such occurrences. For this, first and foremost, work must be done with young people. Most importantly, their employment problems must be solved. Otherwise, it will be difficult to prevent this problem.
- Have you visited hospitals in the districts you represent regarding your health?
- It hasn't happened yet. But as I said in the meeting, the condition of some healthcare facilities is deplorable.
- From time to time, problems arise between executive heads and the deputy of that district. What has your relationship with executive heads been like during these 20 years?
- I don't like to ask for favors or speak out. Whatever I have the power to do, I do myself.
- Does this also apply to issues related to the district's residents, or is it personal?
- When I know that this issue does not depend on the district executive authority, then within the framework of the powers granted to me by the state, I make official appeals and receive official responses. Therefore, there are no requests.
- Do your constituents complain to you about the executive authority?
- Yes, they do. I also report those complaints to the relevant authorities.
- Have you had disputes with ministries or other institutions because of your constituents?
- I wouldn't call it a dispute. But I have sent letters, and if a correct answer was not given, I have reiterated my demands repeatedly.
- Do you have relatives living in the district? Have you provided any support in their employment?
- My home and origin are there; my relatives live there. My sisters and cousins are also there. Of course, they work, but in agriculture and similar fields. There is no one in a high position.
- Have you ever invited your deputy friends to Lankaran, Masally?
- No. They don't need to visit other districts (laughs).
- You are not the only deputy representing Lankaran. What is your relationship with the deputies representing this region? There are even young cadres who were elected as deputies for the first time.
- They are still new. You see that they haven't gotten used to some things yet.
- Has anyone sought your advice?
- Of course, they do.
- What kind of advice do you give?
- I don't hesitate to give advice. A straight word is a straight word.
- We have certain deputies who have changed their electoral districts multiple times. Do you think about this?
- I have never thought about this. Because my relatives and close ones live in the region I represent. It is not right for me to see a problem here and go somewhere else. Our people are not yet fully accustomed to who a deputy is. I am an advocate between the government and the citizen. My job is to convey your problem to the relevant structures. I cannot build your road, I cannot build your school, I cannot fix your roof. I can help one or two people, but I cannot give child benefits to a hundred people.
- Do you intend to participate in the next parliamentary elections?
- The state's policy will decide that. I am a soldier of the state and the people. Whatever is said, I will do.
