The scientific seminar was held at the Department of Folklore of Ethnic Minorities of the Institute of Folklore of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). At the seminar the leading researcher of the department, PhD in Philology Vusal Safiyeva made a presentation titled “Wedding traditions of the Molokans from Ismayilli”.

At the presentation the importance of studying the cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities and ethnic groups living in Azerbaijan and highlighted the role of various ethno-confessional communities in shaping the long-standing traditions of tolerance was mentioned. It was noted that the Molokans were one of the ethnic groups living compactly in the Shirvan region of Azerbaijan, particularly in the village of Ivanovka in the region of Ismayilli, where they had preserved their religious and cultural identity.

The researcher provided a comprehensive overview of the history of the Molokans, their resettlement from Russia to the South Caucasus, their religious beliefs and their distinctive way of life. It was noted that the Molokans were followers of the “Spiritual Christian” movement, which separated from the Russian Orthodox Church in the eighteenth century and that they had successfully preserved their customs and traditions for more than two centuries.

At the presentation the history of Ivanovka village, its socio-cultural life, the economic activities of the Molokan community and family relations were also mentioned. Particular attention was paid to the fact that Molokan wedding ceremonies were closely connected with their religious beliefs and patriarchal way of life.

In conclusion, it was noted that the wedding traditions of the Molokans of Ismayilli constituted an important component of multicultural and ethnocultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

The seminar concluded with an exchange of views among the participants and questions related to the presentation were answered.