International conference on "Past and present of Albanian Apostolic Church" was held in Gabala.

International conference on "Past and present of Albanian Apostolic Church" was held in Gabala on July 20 related to ancient Caucasian Albania within the framework of organization of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, Baku International Multiculturalism Center, Copyright Agency of Albanian-Udi Christian Community of Azerbaijan Republic according to "Action plan on declaration of 2016 as "Year of Multiculturalism" in Azerbaijan Republic" approved by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev. The event participants visited and laid flowers at the monument of the great leader Heydar Aliyev. Prominent experts, historians, intellectuals on Albanian studies from Norway, Turkey and Russia, 75 participants from 16 countries of the II International Multicultural Summer School named "Multiculturalism as a lifestyle in Azerbaijan: national and religious values" held in Gabala, including Udis gathering in their homeland-Azerbaijan from different countries of the world on the occasion of July 20 - "International Udi Culture Day" took part at the conference. Kamal Abdullayev, State Councilor on multinational, multicultural and religious affairs, Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, Isa Habibbayli, Vice-president of ANAS, Chairman of committee on science and education of Milli Majlis, Kamran Imanov, Chairman of Copyright Agency, Salib Ozmen, Metropolitan of Syria Autocephalous Church Deir-al-Zafaran monastery, Robert Mobili, Chairman of Albanian-Udi Christian community, attended the opening ceremony. Speeches were made on the work done and intended to be done during the "Year of Multiculturalism" in Azerbaijan. It was stated that tolerance was provided at high level in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, condition created for the minorities living in Azerbaijan, as well as those who practice Islam and other religions was discussed. It was noted that the international relations in our country were established at high level due to the condition created, interfaith communication had been ensured, Azerbaijan had become an example to the whole world as a tolerant country. Kamran Imanov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Copyright Agency, reported on "Caucasus Albania and genetic analysis in the historical and geographical context, Bjorn Vegge, doctor of history, professor of Oslo State University, on "From Jerusalem to Kish", Robert Mobili, Chairman of Albanian-Udi Christian community, Senior Research Fellow of Baku State University, on "Alban-Udi Church of Azerbaijan as the heir of Albanian Apostolic Autocephalous Church". Then the conference continued with plenary sessions. Local and foreign experts, historians, intellectuals on Albanian studies and public representatives reported on the subject, made discussions. Rich ethnic composition of the population of Gabala was spoken about. It was noted that 78.9 percent of the region's population were Azerbaijanis, 17.1 percent were Lezghins, 3.7 percent were Udis, 0.1 percent were Turks and 0.2 percent were other nationalities. There is no difference against anyone, all live as a single family, regardless of nationality. Subjects on mother tongue for Lezghins and Udis are taught at primary schools of general academic schools. Training is conducted in Russian at 2 schools of Gabala city, 3 schools of Nij settlement. There are 22 Islam, 1 Christian communities registered in 43 mosques and 1 church in the region and necessary condition is created here for every citizen to fulfill his/ her religious beliefs and rites. Today, the only place where Udis live compactly is Nij settlement of Gabala region, their historic Homeland. Here, history of Udis is preserved and studied. Their language, religion, unique culture and traditions are developed, ancient temples and churches, historical monuments of Udins are restored and preserved. Then, Kamal Abdullayev, State Councilor on multinational, multicultural and religious affairs of Azerbaijan Republic, and Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, met with the participants of the II International Multicultural Summer School of named "Multiculturalism as a lifestyle in Azerbaijan: national and religious values". Conference participants visited Nij settlement, became acquainted with Holy Elysee Albanian Church.