As Azerbaijan prepares to host the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) on climate, the world turns its gaze to this unique country where Jews, Muslims, and Christians live side by side in harmony a powerful example of coexistence that many find extraordinary, especially in a region surrounded by political and religious tension
Azerbaijan is a nation where more than 30,000 Jews and 10 million Muslims mostly live in peace.
Nestled between Russia, Iran, and Iraq, Azerbaijan stands out as a beacon of religious tolerance.
In its mountain village of Krasnaya Sloboda, known as “The Last Jewish Town Outside Israel,” residents preserve their culture with their own synagogues, schools, language, and traditions.
Here, it’s not unusual to see representatives from Muslim and Christian communities joining Jewish families in celebration.
In Baku, the capital, religious sites of all kinds thrive, from mosques and synagogues to churches, often standing side by side.
This remarkable sense of unity extends beyond shared spaces: in Azerbaijani culture, it’s common for individuals of different faiths to join in each other’s traditions and celebrations, bridging gaps that, in many parts of the world, seem insurmountable.
In Azerbaijan, Muslims, Jews, and Christians work and live as neighbors and sometimes even family. “Coexistence requires compromise,” says Ayla, a young woman whose mother is Jewish and father is Muslim, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s inclusive spirit.
This harmonious integration is underpinned by cultural tolerance and a history of openness, shaped over centuries as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road.
To promote these values, Azerbaijan has dedicated an entire ministry to religious tolerance, a structure that actively encourages harmony.
But the country’s peaceful coexistence isn’t just a product of policy; it’s deeply woven into its history and society. Extremism, regardless of belief or ideology, finds no foothold here.
As the world prepares for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the nation’s commitment to unity amidst diversity sends a message to countries and communities worldwide.
In tackling the climate crisis, nations must not only confront environmental issues but also look to one another for cooperation and solidarity.
Azerbaijan’s example shows that by embracing inclusivity and coexistence, societies can face their biggest challenges together.
By Dare Akogun.
