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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev warned Islamophobia has reached systematic proportions globally and called on Muslim nations to unite against what he described as a serious worldwide threat.
Aliyev's remarks came in a message delivered to the 3rd Conference on Combating Islamophobia held in Baku, where Anadolu Agency served as the "Global Communication Partner." The president's message was read by presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev.
"Unfortunately, Islamophobia has recently begun to acquire a more pronounced and systematic character on a global scale," Aliyev stated.
"Currently, this negative trend is observed not only in a particular country but in many parts of the world. Hostility toward Islam and hatred and intolerance toward Muslims are becoming increasingly widespread and acute."
The Azerbaijani leader outlined various manifestations of anti-Muslim discrimination, including racism in daily life, hate speech, physical attacks, stigmatization through media and social platforms, and institutional discrimination. He argued these prejudicial approaches significantly hinder Muslims' integration into society and their ability to feel equal.
Aliyev particularly criticized what he characterized as the institutionalization of Islamophobia in some Western nations.
"In some countries that once engaged in the slave trade, pursued occupation and colonial policies, and committed genocides, and today present themselves as democratic countries defending human rights, Islamophobia has become a kind of state policy," he said.
He accused these nations of enacting laws that restrict Muslims' rights and religious freedoms under the guise of defending secular values, violating fundamental rights, including education, housing, and employment.
The president condemned attacks on Islamic symbols and sites, stating that "attacks on Islam and Muslims under the name of freedom of expression are unacceptable."
He cited increasing incidents of insults toward Prophet Muhammad, Quran burnings, attacks on mosques and places of worship, and desecration of Muslim cemeteries.
Aliyev blamed radical movements and far-right parties for fueling anti-Islamic sentiment while also criticizing institutions like the European Parliament and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for what he called double-standard approaches that foster anti-Islamic tendencies.
Drawing on his country's experience, Aliyev described Azerbaijan as among the nations affected by Islamophobia. He referenced the 30-year occupation of Karabagh, during which he said genocide and ethnic cleansing occurred in Khojaly, forcing over one million people into refugee status.
The president detailed the destruction during the occupation period, including the planting of nearly one million landmines and the destruction of cities and cultural heritage.
He accused some Western circles of turning a blind eye to Armenia's occupation due to religious prejudices, attempting to portray the conflict in religious terms.
Aliyev reported that Islamic heritage sites in occupied territories were targeted, with universally significant mosques, tombs, and cemeteries destroyed, and some cultural heritage elements looted and their identities distorted.
He noted the ongoing reconstruction and restoration of religious buildings in liberated areas.
Emphasizing Islam as a religion of peace, solidarity, and mercy, Aliyev stated, "Despite the defamation campaigns against Islam, Islam remains a religion that represents high moral values, justice, and goodness, and continues to be a spiritual support and guide for billions of people."
He concluded with a call for Muslim unity: "Current global threats, new trials and difficulties faced by the Islamic world, as well as the increase in Islamophobic tendencies and attempts to defame our religion, make it extremely necessary to strengthen solidarity and unity among Muslim countries and show mutual support. We must act as one front to combat Islamophobia that disturbs the entire Muslim world and raise our voices together against this injustice and harmful tendency."
The conference represents part of ongoing international efforts to address rising anti-Muslim sentiment across various regions and institutions worldwide.
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