The Shamakhi Juma Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan, is of great importance for the entire Muslim world, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with a group of residents in Shamakhi district.

Axar.az reports citing APA.

The president recalled that the Shamakhi Juma Mosque, the one of the oldest mosques in the world, was built in 743.

“A few years ago, the mosque was inaugurated after major overhaul, and additional buildings were built,” he said.

President Aliyev said he always note in his speeches at all events organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that Azerbaijan is an ancient Muslim land, and one of the oldest mosques in the world is located there.

“We all know well that Shamakhi is our ancient land and our historical city. The name of Shamakhi can be found on ancient maps. This is our great wealth. Historical monuments located in Shamakhi region are our national wealth and heritage,” he said.

The president noted that the opening of an ancient mosque in Damirchi village after major overhaul testifies that there are many historical and religious monuments in Shamakhi district.

“We preserve them. First of all, they have been preserved by the Azerbaijani people for centuries. Regardless of all socio-political structures, our people preserved our national and religious values. Today, the independent state of Azerbaijan preserves them,” President Aliyev added.