Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 27 / Trend K. Zarbaliyeva /
Today, the head of Mountain Jews community in Baku Semen Ikhiilov was awarded with honorary diploma upon Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's decree.
In his speech, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Hidayat Orujov said that the honorary diploma was awarded to Simeon Ihiilov for productive activity in developing friendly relations among peoples.
"It demonstrates that the state provides with freedom of conscience, as well as the state's attitude to religious leaders," the chairman of the state committee said. Orujev also called opening synagogues for the Mountain Jews in Baku as a positive factor.
In his speech, Chairman of the Clerical Office of the Caucasus Muslims Sheikh-ul-Islam Haji
Allahshukur Pashazade said that such a high evaluation of Ihiilov's activity is the evidence of tolerance, freedom of conscience and special attention given to the country's religious leaders. Pashazade expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President for his support to the believers of the country.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is well acquainted with the literature and way of life of all peoples living in Azerbaijan, Ihiilov said.
"This diploma was awarded to people playing a role in the socio-political life of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is the only state where a large synagogue was built for the state expense. We express our gratitude to the President for assessment given to our people," Ihiilov said.
The Azerbaijani President's decree on Ihiilov's awarding was signed on December 11.