Baku: An international scientific-practical conference dedicated to the Azerbaijani thinker and scholar Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi has been held in Baku. The conference was organized as part of the 7th Meeting of Muslim Religious Leaders of the Organization of Turkic States, attracting religious leaders, scholars, and intellectuals from across the Turkic and Islamic worlds.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the conference focused on discussing the scientific, philosophical, and spiritual contributions of Sheikh Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. Participants explored his influence on the intellectual and Sufi traditions within the Islamic world and the enduring significance of his legacy today. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, highlighted Bakuvi's legacy as a pivotal element of the shared spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Turkic and Islamic communities. He stressed the importance of fostering cooperation and dialogue among religious institutions.
Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, underscored the relevance of Bakuvi's teachings, particularly in promoting peace, compassion, moderation, and human dignity. Abdelsalam advocated using differences as a platform for mutual understanding rather than conflict. He also noted Bakuvi's prominent role as one of the main sheikhs of the Khalwati order and mentioned that Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, expressed a desire to visit Bakuvi's grave.
Conference speakers emphasized the need to pass on Bakuvi's legacy to younger generations, highlighting his ideas on science, spirituality, dialogue, and human solidarity. The event underscored the importance of expanding efforts to preserve and promote the rich religious and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and the broader Turkic-Islamic world.
Safi Arpagus, President of Trkiye's Presidency of Religious Affairs, spoke about the unifying values of common language, history, culture, and spiritual heritage within the Turkic world. He asserted the necessity of transmitting the spiritual heritage from ancestors to future generations, emphasizing moderation as a key principle. According to Arpagus, moderation in Islam is not passive but requires a high level of awareness, understanding, and moral discipline.
Arpagus also highlighted that Seyid Yahya Shirvani, an important figure within this tradition, devoted his life to education and enlightenment, contributing significantly through scientific, spiritual, and educational endeavors. Shirvani's legacy includes training thousands of students and authoring works in Turkish, Arabic, and Persian.
Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations, praised Azerbaijan's role in fostering cooperation among Organization of Turkic States members, attributing this to the support and vision provided by the Azerbaijani government. He quoted President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing the concept of the Turkic world as one family, and called for elevating spiritual partnerships among Turkic states.
Mammadov also referenced the historic meeting of state institutions responsible for religious affairs in Shusha on June 30, highlighting it as a critical step toward systematic and strategic collaboration among member countries.