Assoc. Prof. Orkhan Valiyev, Head of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Khazar University, provided a commentary to AZERTAC on October 20, 2026, on the topic of “Religion and Secularism: The Azerbaijani Doctrine.”

In his commentary, Assoc. Prof. Orkhan Valiyev addressed the role of secularism in Azerbaijan’s model of statehood, the importance of Turkic identity and Azerbaijanism in shaping national identity, and Islam as an integral part of Azerbaijani identity. He noted that Azerbaijan’s religious policy differs from the approaches adopted by Türkiye and Iran, emphasizing that although religion is part of national identity, it does not play a determining role in political and legal decisions. He also shared his views on the country’s multiculturalism policy, the restoration of religious monuments, and the importance of protecting national identity while defining the role of religion in society in accordance with historical experience and contemporary needs.

Link: AZERTAC