TOLERANCE AND MULTICULTURALISM TRADITIONS IN AZERBAIJAN: FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

The article covers the work done in Azerbaijan to preserve the traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism. It is noted that since ancient times Azerbaijan has been being inhabited by different peoples and religions, maintaining friendly relations and inter-ethnic cooperation, which is one of the features of ethno-confessional situation when no one is subjected to intolerance and discrimination. The article describes the measures taken by the Republic of Azerbaijan to preserve this tradition, promote it and bring it to the future generations. It is mentioned that Azerbaijan is a unique example and has wide experience in this field; it has close ties with the religious centers, existing in the world, carries out repair and restoration works in religious monuments belonging to different religions. It is noted that the main purpose of the heavenly religions is to call people to purity, to promote the sacred values, to ensure peace and tranquility. The article also points out the realities of history, namely the fact that religious intolerance and discrimination take society and peoples to the abyss, and the state to the destruction. It is mentioned that in case of this fact being ignored people face serious tortures.