Azerbaijan

File:Azərbaycan marşı instrumental.ogg

Azerbaijan orthographic projection

Ancient Azerbaijan 4

Political map of the eastern part of the Southern Caucasus between 1795–1801

Взятии штурмом крепости Гянджи

Azerbaijan, officially known as the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is an exclave of Azerbaijan bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. Azerbaijan's capital and largest city is Baku, which is renowned for its unique blend of ancient and modern architecture.

History

The history of Azerbaijan dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the region dating back to the Stone Age. The area has been under the influence of various empires and cultures throughout its history, including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. In the medieval period, Azerbaijan was a key region in the Islamic caliphate and later under the control of Persian and Turkic dynasties such as the Safavids, who established Shia Islam as the state religion.

In the early 19th century, following the Russo-Persian Wars, the territories of present-day Azerbaijan were ceded to the Russian Empire. After the collapse of the Russian Empire, Azerbaijan declared independence in 1918, becoming the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world. However, this independence was short-lived, and Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union in 1920. It regained independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Geography

Azerbaijan is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes the Caucasus Mountains in the north, the flatlands at the country's center, and the Caspian Sea coast. The country also has a rich biodiversity, which is evident in its various national parks and reserves. The climate varies from subtropical to alpine depending on the elevation and region.

Economy

The economy of Azerbaijan is largely driven by the oil and gas sector, with significant investments in the energy field contributing to the country's wealth. Besides energy, the country is also involved in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Azerbaijan has been working on diversifying its economy to reduce its dependency on oil and gas.

Culture

Azerbaijan's culture is a rich tapestry that reflects its long history and the various peoples who have lived in the region. It is known for its contributions to music, literature, folk dances, and cuisine. The country is particularly famous for its traditional music genre, Mugham, and its carpet weaving traditions, both of which have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Politics

Azerbaijan is a unitary semi-presidential republic. It has a mixed political system that combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems. The President of Azerbaijan is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has faced criticism regarding human rights and freedom of the press, with reports of political repression and censorship.

Demographics

The population of Azerbaijan is ethnically diverse, with the majority being ethnic Azerbaijanis. Other ethnic groups include Lezgins, Russians, Talysh, and more. Azerbaijani is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion, with the majority of the population being Shia Muslims, followed by Sunni Muslims and a small Christian minority.

International Relations

Azerbaijan is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe. The country plays a significant role in regional affairs, particularly in the South Caucasus, and has been involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia.