Azerbaijan – A bridge between civilizations

Situated at the cross-roads of cultures and civilizations, Azerbaijan represents a juncture between East and West and between North and South. Through its location, history, traditions and its strong presence in the international arena, Azerbaijan has gained the reputation of being a bridge between civilizations and a unique place for intercultural dialogue.

Azerbaijan’s historical development as an example of a Muslim-majority democratic and secular republic, its geographical position, and its multi-ethnic population created favourable conditions for the spread of different religions and beliefs around the country in different periods of time. Throughout centuries Azerbaijan has sheltered various communities and nationalities of diverse backgrounds and religions, living in conditions of mutual cooperation and friendship. Azerbaijan’s experience, despite challenges, is an example of a country moving forward to substantive progress through inclusion.

Today, Azerbaijan is a dynamically developing country that is building a modern secular state, based on strong cultural traditions. It is an energy-rich country whose standard of living and economy continues to grow, exemplified by the construction boom in Baku, the capital. An interesting blend of modernity and ancient history, Baku is not only a city with a large industrial complex, but it’s also a city with a rich cultural and scientific life and a multicultural city with broadcasts and newspapers published in various languages. Hosting the first ever European Games in 2015, Azerbaijan will conduct the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017.

Azerbaijan has a tradition of welcoming guests from all over the world to engage them in dialogue for better understanding and peaceful cooperation. Since 2011 Azerbaijan has hosted the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, in partnership with UNAOC, UNESCO, UN World Tourism Organization, Council of Europe and ISESCO. Through this initiative known as the “Baku process”, Azerbaijan acknowledges the power of intercultural dialogue and demonstrates that such meetings bring all people closer and create the conditions for positive intercultural and inclusive relations.

At the same time, being a member of both Islamic and European organizations, Azerbaijan absorbs the values of both civilizations, thus enabling it to assume a role of genuine bridge. This is yet another reason for Azerbaijan being called a bridge between civilizations.

H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan:
“This year Baku will host a prestigious international event – the Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations. This is a major international event of global scale. It is an event held with the active participation and support of the United Nations. I am very pleased that this year’s Global Forum will be held in Azerbaijan. It is evidence of the high assessment by the UN of the work carried out in Azerbaijan in this direction. As you know, Baku traditionally hosts humanitarian forums. Several times we have held World Forums on intercultural dialogue. The fact that the Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations is to be held in Baku attests to the high assessment and a great honour for us.”

H.E. Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chair of the Azerbaijan National Organizing Committee for the 7th Global Forum of UNAOC:
“We will be happy and honoured to host the great personalities who will be guests and participants of the 7th UNAOC Global Forum and hope that you will enjoy traditional Azerbaijani hospitality and have a good chance to get acquainted with the culture, traditions, modern life, cuisine and people of Azerbaijan. Welcome to the Forum!”

To learn more: Guide to Baku | Destination Information: Baku, Azerbaijan