The Republic of Azerbaijan’s Religion Law and Administrative Code amendments of 2021 and 2022; how will this further suppress Christianity in the Caucasus? Aliyev’s autocratic regime is determined to limit Christianity by imposing restrictions on the free exercise of religion. Although these amendments of 2021 and 2022 technically affect all religions, it’s the Christians who will be impacted. These amendments are similar to Turkish and Soviet style limitations on the free exercise of religion and the direct involvement of the government to control religious leadership.
Azerbaijan’s Religion Law Amendments
In 2021 the Republic of Azerbaijan implemented an amendment in the Majlis (Azeri Parliament) to prevent religious leaders from freely appointing leaders to their religious place of worship and leadership. All faiths, including Muslims must undergo the approval by the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations and the Justice Department. Islamic leaders are required to be re-attested every five years by the Caucasian Muslim Board, and their Board is also controlled by the government. In an article written by Forum 18, Fr Konstantin Pominov, spokesperson for the Russian Orthodox Diocese is quoted in saying, “We’ll need approval from the State Committee and the Justice Ministry,” he told Forum 18. “The appointment will have to be agreed with the Sheikh [Allahshukur Pashazade of the Muslim Board], the President [Aliyev] and the Patriarch [Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church]”.
It’s understandable that the Russian Orthodox Church must have the approval of their church head, however, they must also receive approval from the Azeri government and the Sheikh. If the Azerbaijani Religion Law and Administrative Code amendments impacted all religions, why would the Sheikh be required to provide his approval? Why would the Grand Mufti of the Caucasus be consulted? The obvious answer is these amendments are intended to persecute Christians.
Turanism and Turkish Advancement in the Caucasus
Ever since 2003, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has assumed the position of Prime Minister of Turkey and the role of President in 2014. He’s been in power for almost 20 years and is accredited with the Neo Ottoman movement and military/political advancement in the Middle East, Africa, Caucasus, and Central Asia. He and his supporters have defeated Fethullah Gülen and his followers while concentrating power in the hands Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party.
For Illuminating Faith, we are concerned with the state of Christianity in the Caucasus, as such we have followed Turkish/Turanism advancements in the region. Turkey has worked with Azerbaijan in tandem to advance is the Republic of Georgia (also a traditionally Christian nation) with establishing businesses and power/influence over the Georgian government. Today, the area of the Autonomous Republic of Ajaria of the Republic of Georgia is heavily populated by Turks and Azeris. Georgians fear the total conquest of Turks in this region, especially since Erdogan has openly stated in his speech less than 100 miles away from Georgia claiming his dream of ownership of Batumi (city in Ajaria).
Furthermore, prior to the start of the Artsakh War of 2020, Turkey began consolidating power in Azerbaijan and exerting power over Aliyev and his military establishment. During the process of the war and afterwards, Turkey has imposed his presence as monitor and party to the Artsakh conflict. Russia has refused Turkey’s role and protested their presence in the region of the Republic of Artsakh and adjacent areas.
Turkey has also been involved in the political affairs of Lebanon, various countries of Africa and uniting and exerting its control of Central Asian countries under the banner of the Organization of Turkic States. It’s said that Turkey and the MI6 were involved in the uprising in Kazakhstan. It’s a known fact that Turkey offers to train military officers of this alliance and seeks those loyal to Turanism.
Republic of Artsakh and the Azerbaijan’s Religion Law Amendments
Based on the evidence, Illuminating Faith believes that whatever agreement that’s been reached by the Globalist regime of Armenia and Azerbaijan, it’s widely believed that the Republic of Artsakh is in grave danger and the possibility of military action will ensue for the total conquest of this republic. Azerbaijan does not respect the international principle of the Right to Self-Determination, therefore, refutes the legal actions of the Autonomous Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh in 1991 to separate from Azerbaijan. During the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Christian Armenians of Artsakh (then Nagorno-Karabagh) who were tired of persecutions, pogroms and ethnic/cultural cleansing programs decided to declare their independence from Azerbaijan.
Ultimately, 30 years of freedom suddenly is under imminent threat and the tiny republic of 120,000 may be attacked militarily by Azerbaijan and illegally occupied. As such, Illuminating Faith believes with the occupation of Artsakh comes 120,000 body of Christ (Christian Armenians) who will now be controlled and limited on their ability to worship God.
The Outcome
Illuminating Faith calls upon the universal Church to move in prayer and call upon their state leaders to demand action against Azerbaijani military action and possible repeat of Sumgait, Maraga, Baku and Kirovabad in the late 1980s. We call on the Armenian Government, the OSCE, the UN, EU and the US to stand against the Azeri atrocities ready to ensue in the near future. Azerbaijan’s Religion Law is not intended to impact Islam, therefore we must all stand to defend the Christian faith.
