Are there any Sunni mosques in Baku, Azerbaijan?

Yes, there are Sunni mosques in Baku, Azerbaijan. Although Azerbaijan is predominantly Shia Muslim, Azerbaijanis are known for their acceptance of religious diversity and stability and there are a number of Sunni mosques in the country that both Sunni and Shia Muslims attend as a group especially during the Friday prayers. Such coexistence itself demonstrates the particular religious environment of Azerbaijan where sectarian conflicts are insignificant, and society tends to exist in peace despite the religious background.

Key Sunni mosques in Baku

Here are some known Sunni mosques in Baku:

Taza Pir Mosque: This is one of the most prominent mosques in Baku, known for its historical and architectural significance. It is attended by both Shia and Sunni worshippers, especially during communal prayers.
Ilahiyyet Mosque: This mosque is located near the Faculty of Theology (Ilahiyyat) at Baku State University. While not officially designated as a Sunni mosque, it is used by students and locals of different backgrounds for daily and Friday prayers.
Razin Mescidi: The Sunni can also pray in this mosque and the locals refer to the mosque as a fully fledged prayer place where the Sunnis can meet and pray.
Note: Smaller mosques like Razin Mescidi have sometimes faced regulatory changes, but it remains an active prayer space for local Sunnis. These regulations are part of broader state oversight on religious activity to ensure stability and prevent extremism.

It is worth mentioning that although these mosques belong to the Sunni community, Sunnis and Shias in Azerbaijan pray together and visit the same mosque and particularly during the communal prayer. The environment in these mosques is friendly and accepting, you will barely find division among visitors with the sectarian differences.

Religious harmony in Azerbaijan

Although Azerbaijan has diversity in religion, the country experiences a level of religious tolerance at a high level. There is a history of secular government in the country with the first secular Turkic and Islamic republic founded in 1918. Religious restrictions under Soviet control were very strict, however, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the religious identity saw an upturn in Azerbaijan.

Approximately 65–75% of Muslims in Azerbaijan are Shia (Twelver), while around 20–30% follow Sunni Islam, mostly of the Hanafi school. An observable growth of people observing Sunni tradition has occurred in the last few years and this has been a sign of the progressive change in the religious understanding of the people in the country too.

A diverse religious landscape

Baku is a powerful center of attraction in Azerbaijan mainly because of the cultural and religious background of the state. Although there are specific Sunni mosques in the city, many mosques are shared spaces where both Sunni and Shia Muslims pray side by side and this portrays the Azerbaijan spirit of coexistence in religion.

Therefore, if you are in Baku and looking for Sunni mosques, you will find several options available. And even across the boundaries of sects, you will find a warm and inclusive religious community where all worshipers will feel welcome.

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