Students of the Institute of Theology at a winter school in Gabala.

On February 3, a winter school on the topic “Religion, Culture and Society” of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology (AIT) began in the Gabala region. First of all, the staff of the higher educational institution laid flowers at the monument to the national leader Heydar Aliyev, erected in the city center, and honored the memory of the great leader. At the opening ceremony of the winter school, Acting AIT Rector Agil Shirinov advised students to make the most of this opportunity. He spoke about the importance of a winter school organized in the village of Nij in the Gabala region and emphasized the special nature of close communication with the Udis living here, as well as acquaintance with our ancient monuments in this historical place. Gunduz Ismayilov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations (SCWRO) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the multicultural environment in our country. He noted the importance of the winter school organized by the institute in Gabala in terms of familiarizing students with this environment. Chairman of the Albanian-Udi Christian community Robert Mobili spoke about the comprehensive conditions created in our multicultural country for the Udis, who are one of the ancient peoples. It was noted that the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology will become one of the world-famous higher educational institutions, training highly qualified religious and Islamic cadres who know deeply both Islam and other world religions that will defend our statehood. Taleh Abdullaev, the acting head of the Sheki department of the SCWRO, noted that winter schools, excursions and seminars are important to improve students' knowledge and enrich their worldview. The project, which runs until February 7, provides for familiarization of winter school participants with the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Alley of Martyrs, the Congress Center and the Gabala Archaeological Center. It should be noted that the main goal of organizing a winter school is to enrich students' worldview and to ensure that they become witnesses to a multicultural, tolerant environment in our country.