On December 9, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, visited the regional office of ICESCO in Azerbaijan, located in the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve in Baku.
The Director-General of ICESCO, Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik, warmly welcomed the Sheikh-ul-Islam, describing the arrival of the renowned religious leader of the Islamic world at this venue as a very significant ceremony. Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik emphasized that the regional office—a center where education, science, culture, communication, modernity, and tradition converge in harmony in the heart of Baku, the cradle of peace and a junction of civilizations for centuries—covers Azerbaijan and the Central Asian ICESCO member states. He introduced Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade to the stands representing the countries of the region.
The head of the ICESCO Baku office, Dr. Abdulhakeem Alsenan, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade for this historically significant visit. Subsequently, a video and slides detailing the history of ICESCO, the bilateral relations established with Azerbaijan, and the office's activities were presented during the ceremony.
Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade expressed his blessings for the activities of the ICESCO Baku office, which are pleasing to Almighty Allah. He stated that ICESCO, which contributes greatly to deepening scientific, educational, and cultural ties for the benefit of the Islamic world, performs invaluable work toward the protection and development of our religious and spiritual values. Noting that significant work has been achieved in the short period since the Baku office opened in April of this year, the CMB Chairman emphasized that the opening of the regional office specifically in Azerbaijan, in Baku's most prominent and historical location, is an honorable event for our country. He noted it is a fruit of the international efforts of the Azerbaijani state and its leader, His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, as well as a manifestation of respect for the ideas of Islamic solidarity and high attention to ICESCO.
Expressing special gratitude for the selection of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2024, Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade highlighted with great appreciation that ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik was awarded a high state order of Azerbaijan. The religious leader of Azerbaijan highly valued ICESCO's consistent high-level support for our people's struggle for justice, its care for our cultural heritage, and the preparation of a comprehensive report regarding our religious and spiritual heritage that suffered vandalism in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, expressing special thanks for these efforts.
During the meeting, prospects for cooperation between the Caucasus Muslims Board and ICESCO were discussed. At the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade wrote his heartfelt words in the office's guest book.
Later, Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade and ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik visited the House of Tolerance located in Icherisheher and viewed the valuable exhibits of this unique venue.
The Chairman of the Board of the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve, Rufat Mahmud, also participated in the ceremonies.

Press Service of the CMB

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