Molokans in Azerbaijan
Molokans in Armenia is one of our favorite topics here at Blogrel and while I knew that a small community also existing in Azerbaijan, I was surprised to read this today.
PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MOLOKAN COMMUNITY OF COUNTRY
It is the 200th anniversary of the Molokan faith. Aliyev took the opportunity to espouse upon his country’s love for all nationalities and minorities.
Approximately, two centuries ago ancestors of the Molokans were removed to the territory of Azerbaijan. And since, we have been living in one family. Especially, if to take into account that the socio-political formation had changed, it is an important factor. In all periods, the Molokans have lived up their customs and traditions, and preserved and performed their religious rituals. It continues and now, after Azerbaijan regained its state sovereignty. Peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding is available in Azerbaijan society irrespective of views and religious belonging. Our society is tolerant to all religions and faiths. The citizens of Azerbaijan irrespective of their national and religious faith equally enjoy all the rights.
Will Robert K meet with the Armenian Molokans too or is he not concerned with appearing tolerant of minorities?
There is an article I have just written mainly on the Molokans for UNICEF focusing in particular on education at:
http://oneworld.blogsome.com/2005/07/15/3/
BTW: A US Molokan will now be taking up the issues raised with the American-Molokan community and Molokan businessmen in particular.
Comment by Onnik — 7/20/2005 @ 11:33 pm
or maybe it is just that the Azerbaijani Molokan community is better organized?
Comment by Katy — 7/20/2005 @ 11:47 pm
Or maybe the parliamentary elections are coming up in November
In the 2003 Presidential Elections, Kocharian made overtures towards the Yezidi community to secure their vote and in his inaugaration speech in 1998, made special reference to the need for national minorities to feel that Armenia is their home.
While Molokans can be quite separate (out of choice) from the rest of Armenia in the villages at least, I think they are quite accepted selling sauerkraut at markets or doing remonds etc in Yerevan. In fact, they have a good and honest reputation. It’s interesting for me how they fit in with a mainly Moslem society like Azerbaijan.
Comment by Onnik — 7/20/2005 @ 11:53 pm
BTW: This is always a good site to check for Molokan news:
http://www.molokane.org
Comment by Onnik — 7/20/2005 @ 11:59 pm
That article is untrue. I have Molokan friend in the United States, whos family had to flee away from the Azerbaijan during the collapse of the Soviet Union.
So people, don’t trust the media.
Comment by Hakob — 7/21/2005 @ 11:39 am