Natig Abdulla, 53, has always been driven to follow his dreams—whether they led him to create a life on the stage or embrace non-traditional beliefs. Natiq’s commitment to be true to himself despite the pressure from Azerbaijani society to conform has led to strife and, ultimately, peace and happiness, he says.

Raised in a traditional Muslim family in Shirvan, Azerbaijan, Natiq says his desire to leave a mark, make people think, and influence their lives inspired him to become an actor and move to the capital, Baku.

Despite his initial success as an actor with Yugh Theater and then as the star of a Charlie Chaplin-inspired pantomime show, “The Adventures of a Little Man,” Natig was drawn to the Krishna faith in 1989 after he was invited to the Hare Krishna temple in Baku. 

“Just coming here, I saw that everything was very simple. There is God, the Lord of the worlds, a beautiful being who created all the universes and us. That being is full of beauty, compassion, and love, and his intention is to make us happy. He doesn't want us to suffer,” Natig says.

While they are a very small minority in Azerbaijan, Hare Krishnas have maintained a presence for several decades. They practiced their faith in secret during the Soviet Union but were able to officially register in Azerbaijan once the country regained its independence in 1991.

For Natig, the faith offers a place of acceptance and peace. 

“The faces of other religious figures often have a sternness, a seriousness. I can't be sincere with them; I can't open my heart because I feel they might not understand me correctly. The seriousness on the faces of these religious figures created a sense of caution and fear in me,” he says. “But when I came here, I saw that these are people you can open your heart to. They don't look down on you; they don't label you as a sinner or frighten you. On the contrary, they create positive feelings in you, reassuring you that everything can be all right. There's a warmth.”

The Hare Krishna community has given Natig more than religion: he fell in love with his wife in the temple and found his calling as the head of music for Krishna celebrations and rituals.

His family did not accept his decision at first, Natig recalls, although with time they changed their mind. Natig does not view his conversion to Krishnaism as a betrayal of his Muslim faith: he believes this path allows him to worship more fully. He still considers himself a Shia Muslim—and finds a common faith with all major religions. For example, Natig says a collection of 50 Veda texts creates a body of religious work that echoes the teachings of the Quran.

“In the Quran, every section begins with 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,’” he says. “I saw that mercy here.”

Today Natig says he feels the freedom to worship as he chooses in Azerbaijan, and sees young people’s willingness and openness to learn about other faiths and ideas.

This photo story was produced in the framework of Chai Khana Fellowship program - Spring 2024

This photo story was prepared with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) South Caucasus Regional Office.

All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of FES.