Aghdam: Participants of the First International Scientific-Practical Conference dedicated to prominent Azerbaijani thinker and scholar Sheikh Sayyid Yahya Bakuvi Shirvani arrived in Azerbaijan's city of Aghdam as part of the 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The scientific-practical conference continued in Aghdam.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played at the event. In his remarks, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade highlighted the historical significance of the Aghdam Juma Mosque during the First Garabagh War, where it became known as the 'Martyrs' Mosque.' He detailed the destruction of over 67 mosques and temples in Garabagh during the occupation and the desecration of the Aghdam Mosque, which included keeping pigs inside and anti-Islamic graffiti on its walls. Pashazade described these acts as an insult to Muslims worldwide and emphasized the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Garabagh.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, Emin Huseynov, spoke about the transformation of Aghdam from a symbol of destruction to one of peace and security. He highlighted the efforts under the First Great Return State Program, which is focused on rebuilding residential areas, schools, hospitals, cultural facilities, and public infrastructure, alongside the restoration of mosques.

Hamid Shahriari, Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, called for peace and stability in the South Caucasus, expressing hope for sustainable peace in the region. Meanwhile, Fatih Mehmet Karaca, a religious representative from Trkiye, acknowledged the significance of the gathering of Muslim religious leaders from the Organization of Turkic States and thanked President Ilham Aliyev for reopening the Aghdam Juma Mosque.

Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, expressed his satisfaction with the return of the Aghdam Juma Mosque to its community, acknowledging the sacrifices made during its liberation. Other speakers at the conference praised the significance of the event and the ongoing restoration of mosques in the liberated territories.