MIRAS Social Organization arranged the third cultural heritage excursion on topic “multiculturalism” on 5th March 2016. The members of MIRAS joined the “tolerance” tour with guidance of MIRAS members Gulshen Huseynova and Aida Malikova. The purpose was to visit mosques, churches and synagogues situated in Baku and familiarize with the circumstances for any citizen’s comfortable prayer and studying the monuments from architectural and historical aspect.
MIRAS members Tofiga Jafarli, Nurana Alili, Sabina Allahverdiyeva, Ayan Zamanova and Mehbara Abbasova joined the tour. They met due to the appointment at 11:07am and firstly directed to Salyan barrack (It functioned since construction, 17th century as a barrack. The traces of the bullets thrown during 20 January 1990 bloody tragedy are seen over the buildings opposite the barrack. They initially went to Saint Jen Mironosets Orthodox Church. Since the barrack yard was large and new county-yards and buildings constructed, the participant’s prolonged the way and they had a short trip “Golden East” military camp. Saint Jen Mironosets church is Orthodox church and in 1909 was built by philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev’s finance for Christians in the barrack and repaired for some times. The last repair was done in 2001 on account and participation of philanthropist Aydin Gurbanov and due to nationwide leader Haydar Aliye’s order and on the same year, 27th May the church was given a cathedral status. Eastern elements of Gothic style were used there and it has 16th century features. Inside down, large windows and walls were decorated with Holy Mary and other icons. Equal number of the crosses inside the church means derivation from east and respect to religious peculiarities. Humble fresco, arch ceiling, the current round are the meaning of the sun's light. Our guide saying the temple built in a golden proportion view, noted that the human attitude towards the nature stands on the mankind ground. The people burnt candles and absinth and sand rites. After the prayers, they hug the book sacred for them and there were many food and drinks over the tables. The church is open to all citizens and no discrimination and people can cozily enter, walk inside and even buy cross, chains, perfumes and books in the entrance.
The participants haunted next Tazapir Mosque (the tomb existed in XIV-XV centuries belonged to Abu Seyid Abdulla who was well-known scholar of the time. The mosque exposed to regular destructions, was repaired by Baku aristocrats. In 1817 Gasim bek, brother-in-low of last Baku khan Husseingulu khan repaired the mosque capitally, whereas the mosque’s real construction started in early 20th century. Afterwards, Nabat khanum Khojabey gizi Ashurbeyli-Rzayeva starts the construction of a new mosque instead of one-storey church. She, vowed to build such a mosque constructs a building on her own account. Since a new mosque was built over the tomb, this building is called among the people as Tezepir mosque. The mosque was built by known architect Zivarbay Ahmadbayov in 1905). The participants walked to the mosque located in Sovetski settlement. Although most part of the settlement was knocked down, some quarters were resided so far.
Mrs.Gulshen Huseynova stated that last restorer of the mosque was Eldar Mikayilzadeh. The mosque is in Eastern style, it had permanent drinking water and cleaning device. The participants of the tour lately visited “Archangel Michael” temple, which the seamen constructed in late 19th century after the accident rescue. The woman called Galina worked in the temple gave interesting information on the most famous icons there. She told the importance of the prayer, the different religions of people visited there and the church’s doors’ being open to all.
Within the tour covered the temples, the MIRAS members wished the whole world liberty, health, welfare and prayed God for these blessings.