The foundations of the national state language policy are laid down in the relevant articles of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.00 of November 12, 1995). The official language is Azerbaijani; the state guarantees the development of this language. At the same time, the state ensures the free use and development of other languages spoken by the population. Everyone has the right to use their native language, and no one may be deprived of this right.
The Republic of Azerbaijan has been a state party to the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities since June 26, 2000. Affirming its commitment to universal values and expressing its support for human rights and freedoms, the Republic of Azerbaijan declares that the ratification of the Framework Convention and the implementation of its provisions exclude any actions that may undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as its internal and external security.
Based on this, the protection of the rights and freedoms of national minorities and ethnic groups living in the Republic of Azerbaijan and support for developing their language and culture form the foundation of the state’s policy concerning national minorities. The implementation of state policy on the preservation and development of the cultural, linguistic and religious identity of national minorities and ethnic groups is carried out in such areas as state support for the observance of national traditions and customs, complete freedom of religious rites and rituals, the preservation and use of places of worship; the free development of folk crafts, professional and amateur creativity, folk art; the preservation of historical and cultural monuments of all peoples, etc. The Department of National Minorities was established in 2012 in the Institute of Folklore of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. The department’s primary purpose is to collect, systematise, and conduct research on the folklore of minorities.
The state cultural policy pursued in the Republic of Azerbaijan through intercultural dialogue aims to foster mutual understanding and friendly relations among ethnic groups living in the country. Any form of discrimination and xenophobia, including ethnic, national, racial, etc., are considered unacceptable. For these purposes, the Ministry of Culture carries out comprehensive work on preserving and developing the cultural values of ethnic minorities living in the country, which envisages cooperation with cultural centres and societies currently representing ethnic groups, provision of relevant amateur groups with folklore clothing, musical instruments and technical means; organisation of exhibitions reflecting the ethnography, art and customs of ethnic groups living in the country; tours of folk groups of national minorities in the country and abroad; creation conditions for active participation of groups representing national minorities not only in republic-wide cultural events; holding anniversaries of prominent representatives of culture and art of different ethnic groups; awarding honorary titles and monetary rewards to the leaders and participants of amateur art groups; etc.
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