On July 18, 2024, a conference titled "Women in the Islamic World: Traditions and Challenges" was organized by the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs. This event was part of the "Action Plan" to designate Shusha as the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024, as approved by a Cabinet of Ministers decree.
The conference began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the fallen soldiers and officers.
Bahar Muradova, Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, welcomed participants and emphasized that Shusha is a fortress of national spirituality for all Azerbaijanis and the Turkic world. She highlighted its symbolic significance and its contribution to Islamic culture through historical monuments, architecture, literature, and crafts.
Bahar Muradova noted that Islam places great value on women, establishing regulatory principles concerning their rights and development. She praised learned and leadership-oriented women throughout Islamic history who contributed to charitable activities and encouraged educational ideals.
Drawing attention to the achievements of Azerbaijani women, Chairwoman of the State Committee emphasized that today they continue to make significant contributions to peace, security, welfare, and development globally, being actively represented both domestically and on the international stage.
She also acknowledged the achievements of Azerbaijani women, who continue to make significant contributions to peace, security, and development globally, while being actively represented on the international stage. Muradova pointed out Azerbaijan’s growing regional influence and cooperation with organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ICESCO, and the Islamic Development Bank. She particularly highlighted the efforts of Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice President and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in strengthening these international relations.
The Chairwoman of the State Committee emphasized that the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States on “Building a Sustainable Future through Transport, Connectivity, and Climate Action,” held in Shusha at Azerbaijan’s initiative, was significant. She expressed confidence that the “Karabakh Declaration,” signed by the Organization of Turkic States, would not only enhance its international influence but also make a substantial contribution to the development and progress of the Islamic world.
The Chairwoman mentioned the "Great Return" program, through which approximately 8,000 former internally displaced persons have returned to cities such as Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, and Khojaly. She concluded, "They are returning as equal participants in the social, political, and cultural life of these territories, and as mothers and wives, calling for peace, justice, and security to the entire world."
Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, stated that Azerbaijan has made significant historical achievements. He noted the critical contributions of Azerbaijani women to progressive traditions in the Islamic world, reflecting the nation's adherence to universal values. Mammadov highlighted ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, specifically regarding historical, religious, and cultural monuments, and recognized the liberation of 67 mosques destroyed over 30 years.
Highlighting the restoration and reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, he emphasized that one of the most sensitive aspects has been the rehabilitation of historical, religious, and cultural monuments. He added that the Azerbaijani people, united around the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, liberated their lands from occupation. It is also meant the liberation of 67 mosques that had been destroyed, razed, and desecrated over the course of 30 years. Thus, the victory in the Patriotic War represents one of the greatest historical achievements not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire Islamic world.
He commended Mehriban Aliyeva’s initiative to restore religious monuments in the liberated territories as a prime example of Azerbaijani women's roles in the Islamic world.
Cahit Baghci, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Azerbaijan, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in socio-economic life for the well-being of families and society. He noted that like Muslim countries in general, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have historically prioritized women’s advancement in society, often ahead of many other nations. The ambassador emphasized the importance of cooperation between the relevant ministries of the two countries in promoting women’s rights. He noted that women in Türkiye and Azerbaijan were granted the right to vote and stand for election earlier than in many other countries, thereby becoming equal citizens and key participants in social and political life.
Hijran Huseynova, Member of the Milli Majlis and Chairwoman of the Committee on Family, Women, and Children, stated that women’s health and welfare are fundamental to the prosperity of any society, emphasizing that understanding the essence of religion is key to fostering peace and mutual understanding. She highlighted the importance of objectively analyzing Islamic teachings on women from a gender perspective, noting that Islam positively influences women’s status by guaranteeing them independence and elevating them to a dignified position. Huseynova emphasized that Azerbaijani women, who gained the right to vote before many European countries, have achieved significant success in education, healthcare, culture, and science, becoming a vital force in nation-building processes. Historically, the social status of Muslim women has improved, ensuring their full participation across various sectors of society.
Saadat Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture, highlighted the historically significant role of women in Azerbaijani society, noting that women, as the primary protectors of the family institution, stand shoulder to shoulder with men in safeguarding the nation’s people, state, and core moral and cultural values. She emphasized that women in Islam have been elevated to the highest status since the early 7th century, underscoring their rights and roles within both the family and society.
Yusifova also pointed out that Azerbaijani women have historically contributed to addressing critical national issues and were central figures in the Eastern renaissance. She remarked that modern Azerbaijani women not only play a vital role in raising and educating future generations but also bear the responsibility of maintaining family integrity. The patriotic upbringing of their children was particularly evident during the 44-day Patriotic War, in which Azerbaijani youth courageously defended their homeland, land, and flag, helping restore the country’s territorial integrity.
Yusifova emphasized that Azerbaijani women continue to be at the forefront of building a strong, self-confident Azerbaijan in this new historical era, actively contributing to peacebuilding, societal cohesion, and the joyful process of returning to their liberated homeland, serving as a driving force behind the "Great Return."
The conference continued with a panel session on the topic "Women in the Islamic World: Traditions and Modern Challenges," moderated by Gunduz Ismailov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Religious Institutions.