Baku Mosque Closures Inconvenience Believers

Among the many construction projects that now seem to define downtown Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital city, it’s notable that one type of building, the mosque, isn’t faring so well. This EurasiaNet photo essay documents the impact of mosque closures in Baku.

Officials have justified the closings by saying some of the buildings were structurally unsafe and needed repairs. Others were alleged to have been built illegally, or had faulty paperwork. Some critics contend that such explanations mask the government's underlying motivation - a desire to keep free speech and freedom of conscience under close supervision.

"The government gives us many different reasons for closing these mosques," says Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, head of the Center for Protection of Freedom of Conscience and Religion (DEVAMM). "They won't give us one clear message, but ultimately this is about government control."

Ibrahimoglu offers a number of possible motivations for closures, including government concern over growing Islamist groups. The Abu-Bakr Mosque, for example, was closed in 2008 following a bombing that killed two worshippers. In 2009, Azerbaijan introduced new laws limiting the ability of religious groups to organize and distribute religious texts.

Ibrahimoglu also believes the state's motives stretch beyond religion. "This is the same government that won't allow the BBC [British Broadcasting Corp.] in Azerbaijan," said Ibrahimoglu, referring to the 2009 ban on international broadcasts on the country's national frequencies. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. "This government has jailed bloggers for dressing in costume. They are denying Muslims the right to pray collectively. These are basic freedom of speech issues. These are basic human rights." [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].