State committee chairman calls for teaching religion in schools

Religion should be taught in Azerbaijan’s secondary schools, chairman of the State Committee on Religious Organizations Rafig Aliyev told a news conference on Thursday.

Aliyev said a total of 164 hours have been designated for teaching religion in schools under the Concept on Youth Policy approved by the Azerbaijani President. He said it is important for such classes to be taught by prominent religion scholars and that personnel should be trained for the purpose.

Commenting on school principals’ attitude towards veils, Aliyev said the issue on school uniforms should be addressed by educational structures.

“Veils are not envisioned by the education system. The issue remains under dispute as no relevant decision has been passed yet.”