Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr S. Aghayeva / The ban on reading azan (call to prayer in Islam from minarets by muezzins) through loud-speakers imposed by the Baku City Executive Power was overturned on 29 May, the chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Clerical Port, Sheik-ul-Islam Hadji Allahshukur Pashazadeh, reported at a press conference. According to the Sheik-ul-Islam, the President announced his decision on 29 May during a meeting with the clerical leader of the Caucasus Muslims. Sheik-ul-Islam noted that azan would be read by two means - through loud-speakers and live voice. Location of mosques will be taken into consideration. Reading of azan in mosques located nearby state bodies, hospitals, schools and old people's homes will be controlled by the Caucasus Muslims Clerical Port.
The Baku City Executive Power imposed a ban on reading azan through loud-speaker, which caused a negative reaction among religious figures and organizations of Azerbaijan. They were planning to hold protest demonstrations.