The Republic of Azerbaijan is in the South Caucasus area of Eurasia, where Asia joins Europe. Azerbaijan is bounded by Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and Russia. It is situated on the western banks of the Caspian Sea, across from Turkmenistan. The enclave of Nakhchivan is separated from Azerbaijan by southeastern Armenia.
Azerbaijan was part of the Persian Empire in the 6th Century BC and was part of the region where Zoroastrianism developed. Caucasian Albanians, the original inhabitants of northeastern Azerbaijan, established an independent kingdom.
Around 252 AD, the Sasanian Empire conquered Caucasian Albania, although it remained a semi-autonomous state, with a king, but one who was subservient to the Sasanian emperor. The Caucasian Albanian king made Christianity the official religion in the 4th Century. Several churches were built during this time, and the ruins of some exist yet today.
When the Arabs advanced into the region in the 7th Century, taking control of Persia, Islam gained prominence, while Christians retreated into the foothills of the mountains. Before long, Islam had become the major religion, as it is today. Although the region came under the control of several rulers, it was a succession of Muslim rulers, except for a brief period under Russian control.
By the 1700s, Azerbaijan was again under Persian control, although Persia was also known as Iran. In 1804, Russia invaded the Iranian town of Ganja, which was the beginning of the Russo-Persian War, which ended in a Russian victory in 1813. As a term of the treaty, Iran gave up its sovereignty over the area that included Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, there are more ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran today than there are in Azerbaijan.
When the Russian Empire collapsed temporarily during World War I, the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic was formed in 1918, including what is now Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. That same year, about 12,000 Azerbaijanis and other Muslims were massacred in Baku and the surrounding area by Bolshevik Armenians, which led to the dissolution of the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic and the creation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, using a name that had previously been applied to the adjacent northwestern region of Iran.
The ADR only lasted two years, however. As the Baku region of Azerbaijan was rich in oil, the Soviet Union invaded in 1920, forcing border changes in favor of Armenia, leaving the Nakhchivan cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan. Approximately 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed trying to fend off the Russian invasion. In 1925, more than 100,000 Azerbaijanis were shot or sent to concentration camps, from which they never returned, during Stalin's purge.
In the late 1980s, border tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia resulted in the return of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, while Armenians fled Azerbaijan. Tensions remained high between the two countries, and pretty much continues today. In January of 1990. the Soviets intervened in Baku, killing dozens of civilians in an incident that turned public opinion against Russia. Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The early years of the Republic of Azerbaijan were characterized by war with Armenia over the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, in southwestern Azerbaijan, as well as internal strife. Although peace between the two countries was signed in 1994, border conflicts remain unresolved.
The Azerbaijan constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but human rights monitors report that this is not the case in practice. Foreign broadcasts are banned, and the internal media is heavily controlled. The Committee to Protect Journalists lists Azerbaijan as the fifth most censored country in the world.
Economically, Azerbaijan is heavily dependent upon its rich oil and natural gas deposits. The country also has a large agricultural basin, with nearly 55% of its land in agriculture.
In the 1980s, Azerbaijan was a popular tourist destination, due to its historical, cultural, and natural heritage. Although wars and internal political conflict have damaged its tourist industry, the country is making strides toward recovery, and hopes to make tourism a large contributor to its economy once again.
Most of the country's population is ethnic Azerbaijanis, with most of its Armenian population residing in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The official language is Azerbaijani, which is spoken by more than 90% of the country. Russian and English are common second or third languages. About 98% of the population adheres to Islam, mostly Shia.
The literacy rate in Azerbaijan is nearly 100%, and a high percentage of Azerbaijanis have participated in higher education.
Categories
Education & Instruction |
Recommended Resources
AZAL is the largest airline and flag carrier of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Based in its capital city of Baku, next to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the airline offers transport to airports across Asia, Europe, and the United States. A guide to booking a flight on AZAL is presented, with an overview of its services, destinations, and schedules. Arrivals and departures may be viewed online, and tickets may be purchased through the site.
https://www.azal.az/
Azerbaijan Bookings & City Guide
Azerbaijan is the most populated region in the South Caucasus. Owned and operated by World News Network, the site presents a guide to the country, with a focus on its tourism potential. General information about the country and its capital city of Baku is featured, as are entertainment venues within the country, flights and car rentals, cruises, and a map of Azerbaijan. Geographical features, attractions, activities, and travel tips are included.
https://www.azerbaijan.com/
Azerbaijan International Magazine
Established in 1993, the site contains thousands of articles and photos relating to the Republic of Azerbaijan. The print magazine is available in English or Azeri. The web edition features archives of its magazine and magazine covers, editorials, music and other topics, including a section for children. General information about the magazine is presented, and subscriptions may be made through the site. An online store is included.
http://www.azer.com/
AzTV is a state-controlled national television channel in Azerbaijan, and the oldest in the country, having begun broadcasting from Baku in 1954 while representing the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Programming schedules and live streaming options are available, along with news and political coverage, a video archive, gallery of photographs, calendar of events and contacts..
http://www.aztv.az/index.php?lang=en
The history, natural features, culture, and traditions of Azerbaijan are featured here, with a concentration on tourism and vacation travel. Several photographs are featured, with a guide to Azerbaijani attractions and events, restaurants, nightlife, arts and culture, shopping venues, and guest accommodations. Travel planning tips are included, such as the best times to come, visa requirements, and other information.
http://azerbaijan.travel/
Azerbaijan is an ancient country, situated in the region between Asia and Europe. This travel agency offers a view of the nation and its attractions, events, and opportunities, as well as packaged and custom tours of Azerbaijan. Its packaged tours and hotels are highlighted, along with visa information, payment polices, special offers or announcements, and news from Azerbaijan.
http://azerbaijan24.com/
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Its Azerbaijan office offers online teacher development courses, free webinars for teachers, teacher networks, a UK Masters scholarship for Azerbaijanis teaching English, and other teacher support programs. It work in the arts and society are included, as well as opportunities to study in the UK.
https://www.britishcouncil.az/en
Foreigners traveling to Azerbaijan must request a visa in order to enter and visit the country. Through this site, operated by a professional travel agency, eligible applicants may request a visa online. General information about the requirements and eligibility policies for a visa are set forth, along with a link to the official government site, where visa applications may also be made, but without its professional review and delivery services.
https://www.azerbaijanonlinevisa.com/
Offering custom and packaged tours to Azerbaijan, its packages include airport transfer services, guide services, hotel bookings, sightseeing and other activities within the country, and the tour agency will assist clients in planning custom tours. Its packaged tours are highlighted, with prices, promotional offers, and a gallery of photographs. Hotels that the agency does business with are featured.
http://www.traveloazerbaijan.com/
Situated within a ten minute drive from the Baku city center, the hotel is surrounded by greenery, and ideal for business or vacation stays in the capital city of Azerbaijan. Room descriptions and photos are set forth, along with hotel services and policies, a list of amenities, and on-site restaurant. Information about local malls, car rentals, and other services and attractions are included. Rooms may be booked online.
http://www.irshad.az/
Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan
The ministry is charged with carrying out the financial policies of the nation, organizing the state's financing, and compiling annual financial statements from all non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan. Its history, mandate, authority and responsibilities are outlined, along with subordinate institutions, public agencies and services, staff recruitment, and statistics.
http://www.maliyye.gov.az/en
National Grand Lodge of Azerbaijan
Affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, or Freemasonry, the Azerbaijan lodge was established in 2008 as a base for the development of Freemasonry in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Headquartered in Baku, the nation's capital city, its lodges and memberships throughout the country are posted, with general information about Freemasonry and its work in Azerbaijan and internationally.
http://www.nglaz.org/
The photo blog is dedicated to Baku, the largest city and capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Concentrated on presenting photographs of the city, the site's content is distributed through several categories and includes photos of old Baku, taken during the Soviet era, as well as contemporary pictures and photos taken by foreigners visiting Baku. Those wishing to contribute photos to the site are invited to do so.
http://photobaku.com/
The official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan features video and photo archives of the president and vice president, biographies, and an archive of his speeches, interviews, and statements. A history of the country and its government is set forth, including presidential administrative contacts and hours, a schedule of events, and presidential commissions.
http://en.president.az/
Republic of Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The official government Ministry has responsibility to carry out diplomatic services, foreign policies, consular duty, and visa services for the Republic of Azerbaijan, each of which are highlighted and detailed here, along with the organizational structure of the Ministry, introductions to its top officials, administrative contacts, and legislation relating to the Ministry. Statements, comments, and speeches are available.
http://mfa.gov.az/en
The Central Intelligence Agency of the United States offers an analysis of the Republic of Azerbaijan that includes an introduction to the country, its geographical features and natural resources, governmental structure, economy, and energy resources, as well as any security issues and international relations. A map shows the location of Azerbaijan within Eurasia, as well as its major cities.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/aj.html
