Radical Islamism Islam in Azerbaijan

there rise of religious extremism across azerbaijan result of continued problems such corruption, poverty, , government rule, combined disillusionment west , support of religious sects different countries. works against headwind of traditional secularism. according svante cornell:

azerbaijan can rightly claim among progressive , secular islamic societies. aside having been first muslim country have operas, theater plays, , democratic republic, azerbaijan today among muslim countries support secularism highest, , radical ideologies have met limited interest.

svante cornell believes radical groups remain weak, have potential grow under current domestic , international circumstances. confront this, azerbaijani state needs address diarchy in terms of supervision of religious structures. writes, government policies toward islam in general , islamic radicalism in particular have been inadequate.

according researchers emil souleimanov , maya ehrmann, there trend among dagestani minorities in north of azerbaijan engage in insurgent activities . salafi movement has been spurred missionary activities using external funds , establishment of mosques , , found support desire return more traditionalist values. authorities have repressed salafis in north have become more radical.

citizens of azerbaijan have joined terrorist organizations in syria.

in nardaran, deadly incident broke out between azerbaijan security forces , religious shia residents in 2 policemen , 4 suspected shia muslim militants killed.

as result of incident, azerbaijani parliament passed laws prohibiting people religious education received abroad implement islamic rites , ceremonies in azerbaijan, preach in mosques , occupy leading positions in country; prohibiting display of religious paraphernalia, flags , slogans, except in places of worship, religious centers , offices. ashura commemorations in public have been banned. azerbaijani government passed law remove citizenship of azerbaijani citizens fight abroad.