Azerbaijan – The Cradle of Tolerance and Unity

This year, the holy month of Ramadan and the festive Tuesdays of Novruz coincide. We are living through a period that unites spiritual purification with the awakening of nature — a time that strengthens the harmony of our national and religious values. In the Islamic world, Ramadan is regarded as the “sultan of eleven months.” Its greatest virtue lies in self-discipline, patience, and the strengthening of one’s will. Fasting is not merely physical abstinence from food; it is also a purification of the heart from negative thoughts and the tongue from gossip. During this month, people distance themselves from everyday concerns and reflect on their inner world. Ramadan is a month of repentance and compassion, when letting go of resentment becomes especially meaningful.

At the same time, the Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth Tuesdays — known in Azerbaijani as Su, Od, Yel, and Torpaq Çərşənbələri — reflect our deep connection to our national roots. Novruz symbolizes the awakening of nature, the end of winter, and the beginning of new life. Each of these Tuesdays represents the revival of the four elements of the universe, bringing us closer to Mother Nature.

Azerbaijan is a country where the religious and national traditions of different peoples merge into a single symphony of peace. In these days, when Ramadan coincides with the heralds of Novruz, we once again feel the strength of our tradition of tolerance. In our shared home, we respect one another’s feelings, celebrate holidays together, and cherish our unity.

Today we are in the sacred month of Ramadan, and tomorrow we welcome the first herald of Novruz — Water Tuesday (known in Azerbaijani as Su Çərşənbəsi). This coincidence symbolically highlights a value Azerbaijan has taken pride in for centuries: our ability to unite traditions, faith, and sincere respect for our fellow citizens.

Why is our home special? Because Azerbaijan has always been, and remains, a place where tolerance is not merely a beautiful word but a way of life. Here, church bells resonate in harmony with the call to prayer, and people of different beliefs share the same table. For us, there are no “foreign” traditions. We congratulate one another with the same joy on Ramadan, Easter, and Christmas; we jump over Novruz bonfires together and share our sweets.

At a time when the world needs mutual understanding more than ever, Azerbaijan stands as an example of how different cultures can live in peace while preserving their identities and enriching one another. In this sacred period, it is especially important to remember that true nobility and faith are reflected not only in fasting but also in the purity of thought, heart, and speech. For our people, dishonorable actions such as slander or false accusations in pursuit of baseless ambitions have always been alien. Attempts to defame national leaders and their families or to diminish their historical service to the country and its people are unacceptable and contradict the spirit of Islam. In Azerbaijan, dignity and nobility have always been held in high esteem; slander and disrespect toward the fundamental principles of the state and those who serve it stand in deep opposition to our values and to the spirit of Ramadan.

May this Ramadan and the coming festive Tuesdays bring light and prosperity to every home. May our unity and mutual respect remain unshakable, and may the warmth of our hearts embrace everyone, regardless of faith or nationality.

Wishing you a blessed Water Tuesday and a peaceful and blessed holy month of Ramadan.

Azer Askerov