Azerbaijani expert highlights destruction of cemeteries, mosques by Armenians

Chairman of the Azerbaijani Centre of Analysis of International Relations Farid Shafiyev has drawn attention to the repeated destruction of cemeteries and mosques by Armenian forces, although the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was not religious in nature.

He made these remarks at the event titled “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas”, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“Azerbaijan is placing the fight against Islamophobia at the forefront of its foreign policy. This is already the third conference on Islamophobia. Overall, Islamophobia represents not only a theoretical but also a practical challenge,” Shafiyev noted.

Acknowledging the complexity of Islamophobia, he highlighted that Azerbaijan has faced this issue directly.

Shafiyev emphasised that the conference aims not just to produce formal resolutions but to unite politicians, international experts, and journalists in taking practical steps against Islamophobia.

A two-day international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” kicked off in Baku on May 26.

Marking the 3rd anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the event is co-organised by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the Centre of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group.

Among the conference’s international partners are the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCF), the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany, the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum.

The main aim of the event is to establish an academic platform for discussing the growing global and national trends targeting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries.

Scholars from nearly 40 countries, experts from international organizations, religious leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations are participating in the conference.

The conference will feature discussions on the Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses, Anti-Muslim Hatred in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies, Islamophobia in Different Contexts: Regional Perspectives, Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How Artificial Intelligence Systems Can Spread and Reinforce Islamophobic Bias, Women, Identity and Stereotypes: Navigating the Intersection of Religious and Cultural Prejudices, Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda, Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World and Youth Call for Inclusion: Combating Bias and Misconceptions.

By Naila Huseynova