Rome:A presentation of the documentary film “Harmony” was held in Rome, focusing on Azerbaijan’s traditions of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among various religious groups. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was among those attending the event.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the film is a collaborative production by the Baku Media Center, the Foundation for the Promotion of Moral Values, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations. Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, serves as the film’s executive producer.
The event attracted high-ranking officials from the Holy See, diplomatic mission heads, religious leaders, and representatives of diverse religious communities. Attendees were invited to view an exhibition showcasing Azerbaijan’s religious and cultural heritage and its longstanding multicultural values.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Holy See, Ilgar Mukhtarov, expressed gratitude to those involved in the film’s production. He explained that “Harmony” tells the story of three young women from different faith backgrounds in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the enrichment that diversity brings to society. Mukhtarov highlighted that Azerbaijan’s mosques, churches, and synagogues are vibrant symbols of a tradition of harmony, supported by state policies promoting religious freedom and multicultural dialogue.
Father Laurent Basanese, representing the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, read an address from Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. The Cardinal praised the film for illustrating peaceful coexistence among different faiths in Azerbaijan and noted that “Harmony” encourages embracing diversity with mutual respect and brotherhood.
Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, emphasized Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural role as a crossroads of East and West, fostering a legacy of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence. He noted that various ethnic and religious groups in Azerbaijan live harmoniously, contributing to the nation’s cultural fabric.
The documentary “Harmony” continues to be screened at international festivals and cinema platforms, promoting Azerbaijan’s message of tolerance and unity. The Rome presentation concluded with a screening of the film.