Azerbaijani community reaffirms ancient church’s heritage
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Robert Mobili, chairman of the Albanian-Udi religious community in Azerbaijan, stated that the Ganjasar Monastery is part of the heritage of the Albanian Church during a visit to the complex in Aghdara.
Mobili and members of his community prayed at the monastery on the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, coinciding with Azerbaijan’s State Sovereignty Day and the International Day of Peace.
He explained that Ganjasar is a key example of Christian heritage from Caucasian Albania, an ancient state in the region. Mobili clarified that churches in Azerbaijan represent the legacy of the independent Apostolic Albanian Autocephalous Church, not the Armenian Church.
He detailed how the Albanian Church ceased independent activity in 1836 when it was placed under the authority of the Armenian Church, leading to what he described as the “Armenianization” of Albanian Christian heritage and the displacement or conversion of some of its followers. The Udi people of Gabala, however, have maintained their traditions. Following the recent liberation of Karabakh, Mobili expressed gratitude that his community can now freely access and worship in these churches.
He also asserted that the historical sphere of influence of the Albanian Church extended beyond modern Azerbaijan, encompassing areas like Zangazur and Derbent. Mobili highlighted the existence of the Albanian alphabet and religious texts, with some ancient sources preserved at the Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, and noted that cross symbols found in Azerbaijan belong to the Albanian Church’s tradition.
He concluded that Azerbaijan’s tolerant environment enables the Alban-Udi community to preserve its religious heritage with support from the Muslim majority population.
