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JAMnews
11-07-2025
- General
- JAMnews
Ashura in Azerbaijan: women banned from crying, children barred from entering mosques
Ashura in Azerbaijan This year, Ashura in Azerbaijan was marked by unprecedented restrictions. Many mosques introduced bans on certain religious rituals. Social media users reported that people were not allowed to recite mersiye (funeral elegies), beat their chests, or even cry. Ashura is the tenth day of the sacred month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and a day of mourning, especially significant for Shia Muslims. On this day in 680 AD (61 AH), the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, along with 72 companions, was killed by the army of Umayyad Caliph Yazid on the plains of Karbala (in present-day Iraq). This event led to the split in the Muslim world between the Shia, who supported Hussein, and the Sunni, who followed Yazid—a divide that remains a source of conflict to this day. Thus, the day is a time of mourning specifically for Shia Muslims. Sunnis also mark Ashura, but for different reasons. According to the Quran, it is the day when the heavens, the earth, and humanity were created—and the Day of Judgment will also fall on this date. In Azerbaijan, Ashura is observed as a day of faith, martyrdom, and resistance, especially in regions such as Baku, Nardaran, Lankaran, Masalli, Ganja, and others. Around the world, Shia communities commemorate the day by reciting elegies (marsiya), beating their chests, weeping, and holding tragic theatrical performances (ta'zieh). Historically, many also practiced self-flagellation to express grief. However, religious leaders have long encouraged people to donate blood instead. Among those affected by the new restrictions this year was journalist Arzu Abdulla Gulzaman. She described her experience at the Edjerbey Mosque in Baku. According to her, the mullah and akhund did not allow the reading of elegies (marsiya), and police officers stated: 'The government does not allow crying.' 'This was a gathering in honor of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). But we were told that Ashura was yesterday and today we are not allowed to mourn — even though Ashura actually falls on July 6, and we gathered in accordance with our faith,' said Gulzaman. Date discrepancy The state-controlled Caucasus Muslim Board declared that Ashura would be marked on 5 July this year. However, for the Shia community, the actual date of Ashura fell on 6 July. The discrepancy led to religious events being officially held on 5 July, while commemorations on 6 July were effectively prohibited. Many within the Shia community saw this as an attempt by the government to tighten its grip on their religious life through state-sanctioned structures. Children banned from mosques: psychological reasoning and public backlash One of the most debated aspects of this year's Ashura was the ban not only on women, but also on children entering mosques. As reported earlier by JAMnews, schools and parents were warned in advance not to bring children to the ceremonies. Social worker Sanubar Geydarova told JAMnews that while the authorities claim the move is intended to 'protect children's mental wellbeing,' she sees it as interference in the personal and family freedom to participate in religious rituals: 'If children are taken to military events filled with imagery of blood, death, weapons and heroism — why is participation in religious ceremonies considered a problem?' Geydarova asks. Experts: 'This is ideological pressure on the Shia community' Lawyer Khalid Bagirov, in a previous comment to JAMnews, stated that such interference in religious ceremonies constitutes a violation of the right to freedom of conscience and religion, as guaranteed by Azerbaijan's Constitution. According to him, restrictions justified by 'public safety' or 'public order' are often rooted not in legal grounds, but in political decisions. Alemdar Bunyatov, a representative of the Muslim Unity Movement in Europe, believes this approach reflects a clearly hostile stance by the state toward the Shia community: 'This is not merely a matter of regulation — it is a fight against religious and cultural identity.' Pressure on Shia community amid tensions with Iran The restriction of Ashura ceremonies in Azerbaijan is not just a matter of religious freedom. These events unfold against the backdrop of broader geopolitical and ideological tensions. Seeking to keep the Shia community under control, the Azerbaijani government has taken pre-emptive measures against perceived Iranian influence within the country. Since many Azerbaijani Shia follow the fatwas of high-ranking Iranian clerics — ayatollahs — the authorities view this as a potential threat. As a result of these ties, religious activists have been charged with 'collaboration with Iran,' 'incitement against the state,' and even 'possession of drugs and weapons,' leading to lengthy prison sentences. According to Alemdar Bunyatov, this has become a systemic policy of pressure on the Shia community: 'In Azerbaijan, believers who follow Shia Islam are persecuted solely because of the way they worship. The state interprets their style of prayer as Iranian influence and turns them into criminal targets. This is, in essence, a campaign against freedom of religion.' At a deeper level, the government seeks to assert control over religious independence in the country, impose a unified religious policy through the Caucasus Muslim Board, and weaken the influence of Iran's top spiritual authorities. State-managed faith Religious freedoms in Azerbaijan have long been regulated through official institutions and law enforcement. This year's Ashura made it clear that this control now extends not only to the organisation of ceremonies, but also to their content — the tears, the marsiya, and even the breaking of silence. The contradiction between the Shia community's right to gather and worship according to their religious calendar and the state's drive to impose a unified religious policy is becoming increasingly stark.
JAMnews
11-07-2025
- Politics
- JAMnews
'Baku weighing U.S. proposal': Pashinyan-Aliyev talks in Abu Dhabi
Pashinyan-Aliyev talks in Abu Dhabi Armenian-Azerbaijani talks in Abu Dhabi lasted more than five hours. The negotiations were held in several rounds—both in an expanded format, with the participation of delegations accompanying Pashinyan and Aliyev, and in a one-on-one meeting. Following the talks, both sides released identical brief press statements, announcing an agreement to continue bilateral negotiations. The statements also noted that, highlighting progress on border delimitation, the leaders instructed their respective state commissions to continue practical work in this area. However, according to Azerbaijan's APA news agency, the parties also discussed issues related to unblocking roads and the initialing of a peace treaty. Political analyst Robert Ghevondyan believes that signing a peace treaty in the near future is unlikely. 'This is due to several factors unrelated to Armenia; it mainly depends on Azerbaijan's relations with various centres of power. However, the peace treaty could be initialed soon. That would mean only one thing: both sides would confirm with their signatures that they will not make any further changes to the already agreed text. In other words, they agree not to revisit these matters,' he told JAMnews. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Pashinyan arrived in the UAE with a 20-member delegation. On the Armenian side, the expanded talks included Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Armenia's Border Demarcation Commission Mher Grigoryan, and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Special Representative on Armenian-Turkish Normalisation Ruben Rubinyan. The sides agreed to continue talks without mediators The Armenian Foreign Ministry reported that Pashinyan and Aliyev discussed various aspects of the agenda for normalising interstate relations: 'It was confirmed that bilateral negotiations are the most effective format for addressing all issues related to the normalisation process. Based on this understanding, the parties agreed to continue result-oriented dialogue.' The statement also noted that both sides intend to promote confidence-building between the two countries. The previous meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan took place on May 16 in Tirana, on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit. Pashinyan and Aliyev discussed the peace treaty over coffee. No detailed information about that meeting was provided either—only that 'the sides discussed the current situation and emphasised the importance of continuing efforts toward signing the document.' Pashinyan and Aliyev in Abu Dhabi The meeting in Abu Dhabi was preceded by discussions of a U.S. proposal Citing diplomatic sources, the Carnegie Endowment reported that the administration of U.S. President Trump had proposed that Yerevan and Baku transfer control over regional transport routes to a private American company. The proposal concerns roads that are set to be unblocked. Details of the proposal were not disclosed, but it was noted that the implementation of the agreements would be 'guaranteed by American business and American interests.' In response, Armenia's Foreign Ministry stated that Armenia has been and remains committed to expanding regional connectivity but stressed: 'As before, Armenia's vision for unblocking regional transport infrastructure is based on fundamental principles of sovereignty and national jurisdiction over communications, and does not imply any other approach.' Azerbaijan is demanding that Armenia provide an extraterritorial corridor for land access to its Nakhchivan exclave. Armenian authorities have repeatedly stated over the past few years that they are ready to provide roads. However, they insist that the unblocking process must be based on four key principles: respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries involved, reciprocity, and equality. Several proposals for unblocking are under discussion Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan stated today that outsourcing certain functions in the context of unblocking regional routes is acceptable for Armenia. However, he stressed that this process must fully align with the four principles that Yerevan consistently emphasises. Safaryan also noted that, in reality, it is not only the American proposal being discussed—there are several others. However, he did not specify which countries had submitted these proposals. The diplomat stressed that these proposals 'can be considered' if they are in line with Armenia's interests and the principles outlined in the 'Crossroads of Peace' project. This Armenian government initiative defines all potential routes and the terms under which they would operate. Comment According to political analyst Robert Ghevondyan, the meeting in Abu Dhabi was planned in parallel with Pashinyan's visit to Turkey: 'The decision to organise the meeting was not made in Ankara. It is wrong to assume that the Pashinyan-Erdogan meeting influenced the arrangement of the Abu Dhabi talks. However, yes, during the Pashinyan-Erdogan and Aliyev-Erdogan meetings, there was an exchange of ideas and clarification of approaches. This may have had some impact on today's meeting.' The analyst does not consider it a coincidence that Armenia's special representative for normalisation of relations with Turkey was included in the delegation that travelled to the UAE. 'Turkey's approaches and its indirect influence on this process are quite evident,' he emphasised. 'The Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting was organised by the UAE, but on behalf of the United States. The UAE's interest in our region is primarily economic. They are making fairly large investments here. This does not mean that they initiated and carried out the process independently. It is obvious that these processes are being implemented taking into account the approaches of other interested parties, primarily the United States.' Gevondyan assumes that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan discussed issues related to the signing of a peace treaty, border demarcation, and the unblocking of roads during the meeting in Abu Dhabi. Commenting on the deputy foreign minister's statement about 'various proposals', he suggested that the sides discussed all these initiatives regarding unblocking. However, Gevondyan himself does not have information on which other countries, aside from the United States, presented proposals. The political analyst explains that outsourcing functions implies that a third party will carry out certain activities in Armenia, gain benefits from it, and pay Armenia a share of the profit. At the same time, he stresses: 'There can be no extraterritorial component in the unblocking of roads. This is Armenia's clear position. I think Armenia will never back down from this stance.' Regarding whether the US proposal on lifting the blockade is acceptable for Baku, Gevondyan said: 'This initiative may suit the Azerbaijani side. Not only this meeting, but also the tension in Russian-Azerbaijani relations suggests that Baku is considering it. Most likely, Russia has certain concerns about this.' The analyst is convinced that in exchange for unblocking communications and signing a peace agreement, Aliyev wants to obtain additional benefits: 'These may include expectations of investments in Nagorno-Karabakh from sources that would eliminate any return to the Artsakh issue. It may also involve approval for transferring power to his son and securing the necessary international legitimisation for that. If Aliyev receives a favourable offer on any of the points I mentioned, he may well forget about dissolving the Minsk Group or amending Armenia's constitution [Baku's preconditions for signing a peace treaty].' Follow us – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Pashinyan-Aliyev talks in Abu Dhabi
JAMnews
10-07-2025
- Politics
- JAMnews
Abkhazia bans property inheritance for Georgians who fought in the 1990s Georgian-Abkhaz war
Ban on Georgians claiming property in Abkhazia Abkhazia has passed a law stating that Georgian citizens who participated in the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-93, as well as their family members, are not allowed to inherit property in Abkhazia. It is reported that this measure aims to close 'all loopholes for the republic's adversaries.' As a result of the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-1993, more than 200,000 ethnic Georgians living in Abkhazia at the time were forced to leave. Their property was nationalized by the Abkhaz side and then redistributed to Abkhaz citizens who were left homeless or in need of housing due to the war. Despite this, new owners unofficially paid monetary compensation to some of the former owners for part of the property. Some Georgians also re-registered their housing under close relatives of different ethnicities. Although the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict remains unresolved, there have been several cases where Georgian citizens managed to defend their rights to lost property in Abkhaz courts. In addition, many lawsuits have been filed – and partially won – in Russian courts seeking the return of property by individuals who are currently Russian citizens. The new law, which expands the list of individuals with restricted inheritance rights, is aimed at countering this trend. According to the amendments introduced to the Civil Code, foreign citizens, stateless persons, and their family members cannot inherit property in Abkhazia if they: 'Fought and/or continue to fight against the independence and state sovereignty of the Republic of Abkhazia'; 'Planned, prepared, or initiated war against the Republic of Abkhazia'; 'Participated in Georgian armed formations during the occupation of Abkhazia by the State Council of Georgia between August 14, 1992, and September 30, 1993, or otherwise assisted the occupation regime of the Georgian State Council, including the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia and its structures, or took part in military, combat, or police actions against the Republic of Abkhazia.' Toponyms and terminology used in the article, and views, opinions and strategies expressed in it do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of JAMnews or any employees thereof. JAMnews reserves the right to remove comments it considers to be offensive, inflammatory, threatening, or otherwise unacceptable. News in Abkhazia News in Georgia
JAMnews
04-07-2025
- JAMnews
Russia will pay for the renovation of the promenade in Abkhazia
Russia will pay for the renovation of the promenade in Abkhazia This fall, the promenade in Sukhum, the capital of Abkhazia, will close for major renovation. Banners in the city center already show what the city's main attraction is expected to look like by the next holiday season. Residents can vote on the design by scanning a QR code to choose their preferred options for playgrounds, benches, lampposts, and the color of the pavement. Renovation will begin on October 1 and is scheduled to be completed by May 2026, ahead of the next tourist season. Not a single penny will come from Abkhazia's budget. Instead, the financial burden will be covered as a gesture of friendship by the budgets of Sukhumi's Russian twin cities – Moscow, Ufa, Kazan, Krasnodar, and Nizhny Novgorod – as well as by businessmen from the Abkhaz diaspora in Russia. The Sukhumi promenade was built in the late 1940s by German prisoners of war. Since then, many of its white limestone columns and parapets have deteriorated or partially collapsed. According to Sukhum mayor Timur Agrba, the main goal of the renovation is to restore the promenade's historical architectural elements, install service infrastructure that doesn't disrupt the coastal landscape, develop a unified design code for all new features, and add sports, children's, and event spaces, along with quiet recreational areas. The plan includes creating a system of routes for all age groups and needs—sports and play areas for children and adults, wellness zones for sunbathing and quiet relaxation, and cultural-event spaces with venues for public events, open-air exhibitions, and food spots. The pier will also be renovated, with mooring bollards, restored access ramps, new railings, and lighting installed. All designs and concepts have been approved by local architects and Sukhumi's Urban Planning Council. Terms, place names, opinions and ideas suggested by the author of the publication are her / his own and do not necessarily coincide with the opinions and ideas of JAMnews or its individual employees. JAMnews reserves the right to remove comments on posts that are deemed offensive, threatening, violent or otherwise ethically unacceptable. News in Abkhazia
JAMnews
27-06-2025
- Politics
- JAMnews
Azerbaijan warns against children attending religious ceremonies, sparking rights concerns
Children and religious rituals in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations have issued a joint warning, stating that some parents are bringing underage children to religious ceremonies — particularly memorial gatherings — and stressed that children's physical and psychological safety must be taken into account in such situations. In the official statement, parents are urged to consider that participation in such mass ceremonies is 'inadvisable' and are called on to show particular sensitivity in cases that may contradict the law. However, the statement has raised questions in the context of human rights, freedom of religion, and children's rights. JAMnews has analysed the situation from multiple perspectives. Legal expert: 'The limits of the ban are unclear' Khalid Bagirov | photo: RFE/RL Lawyer Khalid Bagirov argues that vague and abstract wording in government restrictions creates legal uncertainty and opens the door to abuse. In a comment to JAMnews, he stated: 'If a parent of Shia faith wants to bring their child to an Ashura ceremony, that is their right. The state must clearly define what exactly is being prohibited: mourning rituals, self-flagellation, chest-beating? Or merely presence? Such legal ambiguity is unacceptable.' Bagirov also refers to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasising that raising children in accordance with parents' religious beliefs is a fundamental right. In his view, the government's approach is part of a broader, systemic policy of restricting the rights of the Shia community in Azerbaijan. He points to Ashura processions in regions like Lankaran, which raise concern among the authorities — but, he argues, at the heart of that concern lies the issue of freedom of peaceful assembly. 'Under the pretext of regulating religious rituals, the state is attempting to limit the freedom of assembly and public processions.' Bagirov adds that if such vague and restrictive measures continue, increased police control near mosques and bans on minors entering with their parents could soon follow. Believer: 'This is a continuation of the hostile attitude toward the Shia community' Alemdar Bunyatov | photo: Meydan TV Alemdar Bunyatov, representative of the Muslim Unity Movement in Europe, views the issue in a broader context. Speaking to JAMnews, he said the policy reflects a systemic and hostile attitude by the Azerbaijani authorities toward the Shia community: 'This is not just about religious ceremonies. It's part of a long-standing hostile policy toward people who identify as Shia. Now, under the pretext of protecting children, they are targeting the religious rights of families.' Bunyatov also stressed that such an approach is rooted in double standards. He questioned: 'What exactly is so concerning about a child being present at a mourning ceremony alongside adults that it warrants a ban? These people are part of society too — how can participation in such rituals possibly harm a child's upbringing?' Militarist propaganda in schools In Azerbaijan, there is a growing practice of introducing military-themed propaganda in schools from an early age. Officially promoted patriotic campaigns centre on the cult of martyrdom, alongside events and lesson formats that emphasise military symbolism. The authorities offer no critical commentary on these activities — on the contrary, such rhetoric is presented as a model of patriotism. This highlights the selective nature of official warnings regarding religious rituals: on one hand, state-approved and even state-promoted militarist and emotional narratives; on the other, administrative warnings against personal religious practices. Social worker: 'The state should keep equal distance from both religious and military rhetoric' Sanubar Heydarova | photo: personal archive Social worker Sanubar Heydarova approaches the issue from the perspective of child psychology. In an interview with JAMnews, she emphasised that to understand the authorities' concerns about children attending religious ceremonies, one must also consider parallel practices: 'From an early age, children in Azerbaijani schools are exposed to military rhetoric filled with images of blood, martyrdom, war, people crushed by tanks. This can be psychologically damaging. Yet the state presents it as patriotism and sees no threat in it.' Heydarova believes that if the government truly wants to protect children from harmful influences, its approach should be comprehensive and balanced, not selective. She proposes an alternative model for cultivating civic values: 'Children should be taught that loving your country means not littering, volunteering, caring for public property. Patriotism cannot be measured only through war.' In her view, schools should offer neutral, objective religion classes, where children receive information about different faiths. This, she argues, helps develop an informed and healthy capacity to make decisions about religious participation.
