‘Anti-religious campaigns in USSR ran parallel to fight against American jazz’ — second article by Azerbaijani historian

Azerbaijan’s Religious Landscape Under Soviet Control – 1956-1959

During the late 1950s, the Soviet Union implemented coordinated anti-religious campaigns alongside efforts to suppress American jazz and youth subcultures. This strategy was particularly evident in Azerbaijan, as detailed by Azerbaijani historian Jamil Hasanli in his series, “Religion in Soviet Azerbaijan: Between Allah and the KGB.”

Following the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1956, the state security apparatus, specifically the KGB, intensified its monitoring of religious organizations within Azerbaijan. This included expanding intelligence operations targeting Muslim communities, Pentecostals, Subbotniks, and Adventists.

Reports highlighted concerns about gatherings during religious events, such as Muharram, with estimates of up to 3,000 individuals attending ceremonies at the Taza Pir Mosque. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Transcaucasia was placed under state security control, and individuals were strategically appointed to leadership positions. Despite this, KGB agents were embedded among pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Mashhad.

Activity increased in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, where unofficial mosques were reported and a bust of a revered figure, Ataga, was created and transported to a mosque. In 1958, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union issued a resolution aimed at halting pilgrimages to holy sites, citing concerns about practices across Muslim republics, including Azerbaijan. Numerous “holy sites” were identified, such as the Shuvelan shrine and various mausoleums within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, attracting significant numbers of believers.

Despite these efforts, local party bodies failed to effectively address the issue, highlighting a persistent challenge to Soviet control. The state’s attempts to suppress religious activity underscore a period of intense surveillance and ideological control within Azerbaijan.

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