The land of fire was supposed to embody a bridge between continents and cultures, melting differences and producing new models of tolerance and togetherness, though attended with danger of inflaming the inconsistencies and contradictions. But where are we now and what are we heading for?
Identity is the foundation of social cohesion and national solidarity. The opposite of identity is discord and, possibly, conflict, which we`ve had enough of. Therefore the issue of identity should be addressed carefully. Since the reality of identity is not a mere fact, but rather a process, identities are supposed to be constantly reinvented. Thus the biblical question would remain topical at all times: Whither goest thou, Azerbaijan? For the issue of identity is not about who we are, but rather about who we believe to be, as Locke put it, or perhaps: who we would like to be.
Old Europeans still ask themselves, whether Azerbaijan is a part of Europe or Asia. This question, which Kurban Said has embraced as a leitmotif for his famous novel "Ali and Nino", is still unresolved for the old Europeans. "Ali and Nino" describes a conflict between identity and political processes in the Transcaucasia in the early 20th century against the background of the love between Azerbaijani nobleman Ali and Georgian princess Nino. Ali decides in favor of his love for the Christian Georgian and sacrifices his life for the first democracy in the Islamic world. This decision is symbolic of a turning point in the history of a people, a change that has taken place not after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but even before its foundation.
The question of Azerbaijan being a part of Europe, which was uneasy to answer for Kurban Said, has been answered by Azerbaijanis long ago. Azerbaijan sees itself as a European country, although the old Europe sometimes regards its "adopted child" as a stranger. The affiliation of Azerbaijan with Europe is reflected not only in the country`s membership of the majority of European organizations and bodies, such as Council of Europe, OSCE, UEFA and Eurovision Song Contest, which has been held this year in Azerbaijan`s capital Baku.
European features are rooted deeply in people`s lives: the Latin script of Azerbaijani language, which is easy to read for any Western tourist, is European, as well as the religious pluralism and secular establishment of the country. The architecture, music and literature of Azerbaijan combine oriental and occidental elements. Even though the parts of Western culture are indeed to be found in any other Muslim country, Azerbaijan has played a special role in the process of export of European culture to Orient since the end of the 19th Century as a pioneer of European culture in the Muslim East.
Azerbaijani dramaturg Mirza Fatali Akhundov has laid the foundation of dramaturgy in the Muslim world in the 19th Century. The first newspaper of the Russian Muslims, "Akintschi" was printed in Azerbaijan. The first theater and first opera in the Muslim world have also been established in Azerbaijan. The most outstanding result of the Europeanization of the country has been the establishment of the first democratic republic in the Muslim world in 1918. This has been a modern constitutional state, where all basic rights, freedom and equality of all human beings have been recognized. Women have been granted the right to vote, much earlier than in many countries of Old Europe. The life of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was abruptly ended two years later through invasion of the communist Russia. Despite the bad effect of the 70-year communist dictatorship on the democratic consciousness of Azerbaijani society, the coincident secularization has left little room in the mind of Azerbaijanis for association with the oriental neighbors.
Azerbaijan sees itself as a part of Europe, because it has founded its constitution on European values. Furthermore it has opted for a permanent economic, military and foreign policy cooperation and alliance with European and Western countries. Drawing on dynamic economy with high growth rates, abundant in energy resources, Azerbaijan neither wants to be a "little brother", nor a financial burden for Europe. Rather it strives for equal partnership with old Europe for the common political and economic benefit.
Europe is of course not only about common political and economic interests; rather it is grounded in common values. European values like rule of law, tolerance and democracy are rooted in the constitution and laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Although the political culture of the society, which is shaped by 70 years of Soviet dictatorship, might sometimes hamper the implementation of these principles, it is crucial that Azerbaijan has accepted those values as a guideline and is dedicated to realize them.
However, identity is not only about our own perception of ourselves. It is also a matter of how we are perceived by others, as we reflect it. The highway to Europe is burdened not only with any slowness of Azerbaijan`s “engine”, but also with the incertitude of Old Europe to accept Azerbaijan as its specific part with a peculiar culture, slightly oriental look and Muslim background. The reflection of Azerbaijani identity as European country being rejected by Europeans might lead Azerbaijanis to dismiss their identification with Europe. For the “quo vadis?” of Azerbaijanis depends on where they are welcome. Identity means becoming identical with somebody; therefore it is a process of mutual rapprochement. And now it`s Old Europe`s turn to (re)shape Azerbaijani identity.
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