Azerbaijani Muslims celebrate Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha)

The Muslims of Azerbaijan, together with the entire Islamic world, celebrate the Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice). The country has announced October 25 and 26 to be days-off.

This morning the mosques of Azerbaijan held a festive namaz (prayer); and sacrificial animals, mainly sheep, are sold all over the country. Animals are mainly slaughtered right where they are sold. In recent years, this process has been organized with observance of sanitary norms.

During the holidays, the prices on meat have gone up. Thus, today the floor price was 160 manats (about 160 euros) for a sheep weighing 12-13 kilos. This is by some 10-15 percent higher than 10 days ago. Animal traders explain the price rise by the actions of animal wholesalers in rural areas.

The sacrificial meat is supposed to be split into at least 7 portions and distributed among poor people. In recent years, Azerbaijan has developed a tradition of presenting the sacrificial meat by state and municipal bodies, businesses, and individuals to nursing homes, orphanages, refugee families and other needy layers of population.

Azerbaijanis treat the Eid al-Adha differently. For some of them it is an important religious holiday, while others treat it a part of the national tradition, manifesting charity for those in need.

"I'm not a believer; I don't pray and don't go to the mosque and don't fast during the Ramadan. However, during the Kurban Bayram I try to bring a sacrifice and give the meat to needy people. This holiday is a sort of a reminder to people that they should not forget about the mercy, humanity and charity," said Murad Temirov, a dentist from a private clinic in Baku.