The 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku.

Axar.az reports that the national anthem was performed at the opening ceremony, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.

Addressing the event, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office and chair of the meeting, emphasized that cooperation and regular consultations among Muslim religious leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) play a crucial role in strengthening Turkic-Islamic unity. He noted that, as a result of the wise policies pursued by the heads of state, religious and spiritual values are receiving particular attention and care.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted that one of the organization’s principal objectives is to promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among Turkic peoples and build a common future founded on shared history and values.

Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan and Supreme Mufti Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly underscored the important role of the family in human life, describing it as a sacred space in which an individual’s personality is formed.

Head of Turkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs Safi Arpagush described meetings of religious leaders as an important consultation platform that helps strengthen cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in the social, cultural, and spiritual spheres, alongside political and economic cooperation.

Other speakers highlighted the OTS’s growing global influence and strengthening ties between its members, as well as the Muslim world’s historic contributions to science, morality, and technology.

Furthermore, the meeting adopted the Baku Declaration of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), as well as an appeal by the religious leaders of the Council’s member and observer states to President Ilham Aliyev.

OTS Secretariat representative Harun Nurullah Tanzi reported on the outcomes of the Fatwa Committee working group meeting. Agreed fatwas on science and technology, family values, and the declaration of a Muslim as an infidel were adopted and signed by Council members.

In his closing remarks, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his attention and support in ensuring the successful organization of the event. He also expressed appreciation to the heads of state of OTS member and observer countries, the OTS Secretariat, and the members of the Fatwa Committee.

It was announced that the eighth meeting of the Council will take place in Trkiye. Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade transferred the chairmanship to Safi Arpagush, Head of Turkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs.