Religion in Azerbaijan

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Religion

* Pre-Abrahamic religions
* Islam
* Christianity
* Judaism
* Zoroastrianism
* Yarsanism

Language

* Azerbaijani

Persecution

* March Days
* Deportations from Armenia
* Gugark pogrom
* Black January
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* Azerbaijan Portal

* v
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The Bibi-Heybat Mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan

Islam is the majority religion in Azerbaijan. Estimates include 97.3% in 2020 by The World Factbook[1] and 99.2% in the 2006 Demographic and Health Survey according to Pew Research Center[2] of the population identifying as Muslim. A majority of them belong to the Shia branch (60-75% of muslims)[3][4], while a significant minority (25%-40%) are Sunni.[a][3][4] Traditionally, the differences between these two branches of Islam have not been sharply defined in Azerbaijan.

Most Shia Muslims in the country follow the Ja'fari school of Shia Islam, while Sunni Muslims typically adhere to either the Hanafi or Shafi'i school.[6] Due to many decades of Soviet atheist policy, Muslim religious affiliation in Azerbaijan is largely cultural and ethnic rather than religious. Shia Islam is prevalent in the western, central, and southern regions of the country. Traditionally, villages around Baku and the Lankaran region are considered Shia strongholds. In contrast, Sunni Islam is dominant in the northern regions.[6]

The rest of the population adheres to other faiths or nothing at all; they are not officially represented.[7] Other religious traditions that are followed by many in the country are the Russian Orthodox Church, and various other Christian denominations.

Like all other post-Soviet states formerly ruled by the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is a secular state; Article 48 of its Constitution ensures the freedom of religion. A 1996 law states that foreigners have freedom of conscience but are denied the right to "carry out religious propaganda" (i.e., to proselytize) under the threat of fines or deportation.[8] According to paragraphs 1-3 of Article 18 of the Constitution, religion acts separately from the government; each religion is equal before the law; and the propaganda of religions, abatement of human personality, and contradictions to the principles of humanism are prohibited.

## Islam

[edit]

Main article: Islam in Azerbaijan

External videos

Day of Ashura in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijanis celebrate Eid al-Adha
Muharram commemoration in Baku
Heydar Mosque

The role of Islam in politics and in everyday life in Azerbaijan remains relatively small. Surveys in the late Soviet and early post-Soviet era generally found that although the vast majority of Azerbaijanis identify themselves as Muslims, less than a quarter of those who considered themselves Muslims "had even a basic understanding of the pillars of Islam".[9] For many Azerbaijanis, association with Islam tended towards a more ethnic/nationalistic identity than a purely religious one.[10] A 1998 poll estimated the proportion of ardent believers in Azerbaijan at only 20 percent.[11]

In the post-soviet period, although the majority of Azerbaijan's population still nominally identifies with Islam, studies show that the Azerbaijani society has remained relatively secular in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union.[12] While the estimates identify 93–99% of Azerbaijan's population as adherents of Islam,[13][14][15] the importance of religion on everyday life remains low.[16] According to government estimates, Muslim population is approximately 55-65% Shia and 35-45% Sunni, however, officially the differences have not been sharply emphasized.[b][17] Azeri Shi'a relations with Iran, its neighbor and the dominant Shi'i power, are not close, at least as of the mid-1990s. The head of Azeri Shi'ite clergy, Shiekh Haji Humat Pashazada, adheres to the quietist school of Abu al-Qasim al-Khu'i and was a pupil of Iranian cleric Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari.[18] (both clerics were strong opponents of Khomeinist doctrines and the repressive policies of the Iranian government).[19]

The Azerbaijani government maintains a secular position. Article 7 of the Azerbaijani constitution officially declares Azerbaijan a secular state.[20] Article 18 declares the separation of religion and state, the equality of all religions before the law, and also declares the secular character of the state educational system.[20] In December 2010, Azerbaijan's Education Ministry, announced the ban on the hijab, whereby students are forbidden from wearing hijabs in schools.[21][22] In April 2021, an additional set of proposals were submitted to the Azerbaijani parliament introducing additional, intensely secular amendments to Azerbaijan's Religion Law and Administrative Code.[23]

## Baháʼí Faith

[edit]

Main article: Baháʼí Faith in Azerbaijan

The Baháʼí Faith in Azerbaijan crosses a complex history of regional changes. Before 1850, followers of the predecessor religion Bábism were established in Nakhchivan.[24] By the early 20th century, the Baháʼí community, now centered in Baku, numbered perhaps 2,000 individuals and several Baháʼí Local Spiritual Assemblies.[25] This had facilitated the favorable attention of local, regional[24] and international[26] leaders of thought as well as long standing leading figures in the religion.[27] However under the official doctrine of state atheism during Soviet rule, the Baháʼí community was almost ended,[28] though it was immediately reactivated as perestroika loosened controls on religions.[25] The Bahá'í community of Azerbaijan re-elected its own National Spiritual Assembly in 1992.[29] By 2007, the modern Bahá'í population of Azerbaijan, centered in Baku, had regained its peak from prior to the Soviet period, with about 2,000 adherents, of which more than 80% were converts.[30] However, the Bahá'í community in Nakhchivan, where the Azerbaijani faithful were first established, was being seriously harassed and oppressed as recently as 2006,[31] though this may also be related to paragraphs 1–3 of Article 18 of the Azerbaijani Constitution, confirming that each religion is equal before the law, but the propaganda of religions, abating human personality and contradicting to the principles of humanism is prohibited.

## Christianity

[edit]

Main article: Christianity in Azerbaijan

Lutheran Church of the Saviour in Baku

The Christian religion began to be spread in the territory of present-day Azerbaijan in the first years of the Apostolic era.[32] Christianity is represented by Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism as well as a number of minority communities in Azerbaijan.

Christians, who are estimated to number between 280,000 and 450,000 (3.1%–4.8%)[33][34] are mostly Russian and Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic (before 1990 across Azerbaijan, between 1990 and 2023 only in the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, and after the collapse of the breakaway Republic of Artsakh and the flight of virtually all Armenians, practically none). There is also a small ethnic Azerbaijani Protestant community, numbering around 5,000, mostly from Muslim backgrounds.[35][36]

### Eastern Orthodox Church

[edit]

Main article: Russian Orthodox Church in Azerbaijan

Orthodoxy is currently represented in Azerbaijan by the Russian and Georgian Orthodox churches. The Russian Orthodox Churches are grouped in the Eparchy of Baku and the Caspian region.

Azerbaijan also has eleven Molokan communities related to the old rituals of Orthodoxy. These communities do not have any church; their dogmas are fixed in a special book of rituals. They oppose the church hierarchy which has a special power.

### Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church

[edit]

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church[37] (Azerbaijani: Müqəddəs Qriqori kilsəsi, Armenian: Սուրբ Գրիգոր Լուսաւորիչի Եկեղեցի) was built in 1871.[32] In 1869 Baku military governor Mikhail Petrovich Kolyubakin allotted land for the building of the church. The building was designed by Carl Gippius, brother of famous artist Otto Gustavovich Gippius (Yevstafiyevich) and architect of Baku city and the governorate. Carl Gippius's first work was the St Charles Church in Tallinn and the second was Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church in Baku. He dedicated most of his life to construction of churches. In 1903, a library and school were built in the courtyard of the church. It survived through the Soviet state atheist policies of the 1920s and 1930s when all but one Armenian church in Baku were destroyed.[38] In 2002 the church was transferred to the Presidential Library, which is located nearby, and now houses its archive.[39]

### Albanian-Udi Church

[edit]

Main article: Church of Caucasian Albania § Modern Caucasian Albanian-Udi Church

Approximately 6,000 of the 10,000 people of the Udi ethnic community live in Azerbaijan including 4,400 people residing in Nij village, Qabala District.[40]

* Calut monastery church [az; hy] in Calut, Oghuz District

* Seven Church monastery complex

### Catholic Church

[edit]

Main article: Catholic Church in Azerbaijan

There is a tiny Catholic community in Baku and its surroundings, with less than a thousand members.

The Vatican Foreign Minister Giovanni Lajolo visited Baku on May 19, 2006. During the visit that lasted until May 25, he met with President Ilham Aliyev and chairman of the Caucasus Clerical Office, Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazadeh to discuss ties between Azerbaijan and the Vatican.[41]

Giovanni Lajolo made the following statements: "We are satisfied with the level of friendly communications between Azerbaijan and Vatican". "Azerbaijan really is a place of merge of religions and cultures. We highly estimate tolerance existing here. And we are very glad with intensive development of Azerbaijan. Vatican is interested in expansion of relations with Azerbaijan, and the purpose of my visit to Baku consists in carrying out of exchange by opinions on the further development of our ties."[42]

Baku's Catholic church was demolished in the Stalin era, but a new one commenced building in September 2005 and was opened in the summer of 2007.

## Zoroastrianism

[edit]

External videos

Azerbaijan celebrates Novruz. Part 1
Azerbaijan celebrates Novruz. Part 2
Ateshgah Fire Temple in Azerbaijan

Main article: Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan

The history of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan goes back to the first millennium BC. Together with the other territories of the Persian Empire, Azerbaijan remained a predominantly Zoroastrian state until the Arab invasion in the 7th century. The name Azerbaijan means the "Land of The Eternal Fire" in Middle Persian, a name that is said to have a direct link with Zoroastrianism.[43] Today the religion, culture, and traditions of Zoroastrianism remain highly respected in Azerbaijan, and Novruz continues to be the main holiday in the country. Zoroastrianism has left a deep mark in the history of Azerbaijan. Traces of the religion are still visible in Ramana, Khinalug, and Yanar Dagh.

Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan has been tied not to survival of the ancient religion in the area, but a more recent arrival of the Parsi Zoroastrians coming from the British India at the time of the discovery of oil in Baku and the need for expert labor in the 1880s. The Fire Temple of Baku was constructed for their use at the site of an ancient fire temple utilizing the naturally burning gas and oil on the ground. The fire temple is constructed in the chartaqi layout used by Zoroastrians for thousands of years.

## Judaism

[edit]

Qırmızı Qəsəbə has a large Jewish community.

Main article: History of the Jews in Azerbaijan

There are three separate communities of Jews (Mountain Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, and Georgian Jews) in Azerbaijan, who total almost 16,000 combined. Of them, 11,000 are Mountain Jews, with concentrations of 6,000 in Baku and 4,000 in Quba, 4,300 are Ashkenazi Jews, most of whom live in Baku and Sumgait, and 700 are Georgian Jews. There are three synagogues in Baku and a few in the provinces. Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade has donated US$40,000 for the construction of the Jewish House in Baku in 2000. There is also a Jewish village called Qırmızı Qəsəbə.

## Hinduism

[edit]

Main article: Hinduism in Azerbaijan

Hinduism in Azerbaijan has been tied to cultural diffusion on the Silk Road. In the Middle Ages, Hindu traders visited present-day Azerbaijan for the Silk Road trade. The area was traversed by Hindu traders coming mostly from Multan and Sindh (Pakistan). The Hindus also have the Fire Temple of Baku. Today there are over 400–500 Hindus in Azerbaijan.

## Older religions

[edit]

A pagan temple in Baku

Main article: Pagan religions of Azerbaijan

Very little is known about pre-Christian and pre-Islamic Azerbaijani mythology; sources are mostly Hellenic historians like Strabo and based on archeological evidence. Strabo names the gods of the sun, the sky, and above all, the moon.

## Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan

[edit]

Main article: Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan

There are 1802 Mosques, 10 Synagogues,[44] 5 Eastern Orthodox,[45] 1 Catholic,[46] 4 Georgian Orthodox, 1 Lutheran church[47] and other places of worship in Azerbaijan.[48] The Red Town of Guba has been home to Jews since the 13th century with their unique language, specific customs and traditions and is believed to be the world's only all-Jewish town outside Israel.[49] There are 2 schools for Jewish children, and 2 synagogues in the town.[50]

Article 25 and 44 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan grants equality of rights and liberties of everyone, irrespective of race, nationality, religion, language, sex, origin, financial position, occupation, political convictions, membership in political parties, trade unions and other public organizations.[51] President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev declared 2016 to be the "Year of Multiculturalism".[52]

## Freedom of religion

[edit]

Main article: Freedom of religion in Azerbaijan

Main article: Irreligion in Azerbaijan

The constitution of Azerbaijan provides for freedom of religion, and the law does not allow religious activities to be interfered with unless they endanger public order.

The 2004 U.S. Department of State report on Human Rights in Azerbaijan noted some instances in which freedom of religion was violated, such as interference with the Juma Mosque due to the political activism of its Imam.[53] All religious organizations are required to register with the government, and groups such as Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and members of the Assemblies of God continue to be denied religious registration.[54] The official website of Jehovah's Witnesses has documented a number of acts of religious intolerance being committed by the Azerbaijan government against members of Jehovah's Witnesses.[55]

As a result of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, mosques in the Nagorno-Karabakh region have been abandoned, and Armenian churches in Azerbaijan have likewise been inactive or damaged in the fighting.[56]

The position of the governmental authorities towards Islam is controversial. Men who grow beards more than normal are often viewed with suspicion by the authorities, for fear of the propagation of Wahhabism.[57] Despite the government's denial of the matter, the Azerbaijani police drew criticism from lawyers for infringing the rights of observant Muslims.[57]

However, the 2009 Religion Law requires the compulsory re-registration of all religious groups.[58] The overwhelming majority of religious groups that have been granted re-registration are Muslim. Hundreds of others are still waiting to hear from the authorities.[58]

In 2019, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported the arrest of 77 individuals labeled as "Shia extremists", of which 48 were considered political prisoners by human rights defenders, they also reported that in court hearings throughout the year, these individuals testified that police and other officials tortured them to coerce false confessions. Authorities briefly detained, fined, or warned individuals for holding unauthorized religious meetings; as the government's requirements for legal registration were unachievable for communities with less than 50 members. The courts fined individuals for the unauthorized sale or distribution of religious materials. Civil society representatives stated citizens continued to tolerate "traditional" minority religious groups (i.e., those historically present in the country), including Jews, Russian Orthodox, and Catholics; however, groups viewed as "nontraditional" were often viewed with suspicion and mistrust.[59]

Despite being Shia Muslim majority country, the ruling regime of Ilham Aliyev regularly and aggressively enforces secularism.[60][61]

In 2023, the country was scored zero out of four for religious freedom.[62]

## See also

[edit]

* Irreligion in Azerbaijan
* State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of Azerbaijan Republic
* Religion by country

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Azerbaijan — The World Factbook". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
2. ^ "Mapping the Global Muslim Population" (PDF). Pew Research Center. October 2009. p. 28. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
3. ^ a b "Interactive Data Table: World Muslim Population by Country". Pew Research Center. 7 October 2009. Retrieved 2020-08-09.
4. ^ a b Mammadli, Nijat (7 June 2018). "Islam and Youth in Azerbaijan". Baku Research Institute. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. "quote:"Also, according to rough estimates, Shiites constitute 60-65% of the Muslim population, and Sunnis – 35-40%.""
5. ^ "Sunni and Shia muslims pray together in Azerbaijan's Heydar Mosque".
6. ^ a b Mammadli, Nijat (7 June 2018). "Islam and Youth in Azerbaijan". Baku Research Institute. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
7. ^ "Middle East :: Azerbaijan - The World Factbook". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 2020-08-09.
8. ^ Corley, Felix (November 1, 2005). "Azerbaijan: Selective obstruction of foreign religious workers". Forum 18. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
9. ^ Souleimanov, Emil; Ehrmann, Maya (Fall 2013). "The Rise of Militant Salafism in Azerbaijan and Its Regional Implications". Middle East Policy Council. XX (3). Retrieved 22 May 2015.
10. ^ Tadeusz Swietochowski Azerbaijan: The Hidden Faces of Islam. World Policy Journal, Volume XIX, No 3, Fall 2002
11. ^ Fereydoun Safizadeh, "On Dilemmas of Identity in the Post-Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan," Caucasian Regional Studies, vol.3, no.1 (1998).
12. ^ Religiosity Highest in World's Poorest Nations August 31, 2010 - data accessed on 22 May 2015
13. ^ "The World Factbook". CIA. May 18, 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
14. ^ "Berkley Center for Religion Peace and World Affairs". Georgetown University. July 2012. Archived from the original on 17 July 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
15. ^ Mapping the Global Muslim Population Archived 2011-05-19 at the Wayback Machine| PEW FORUM| October 2009
16. ^ Crabtree, Steve (31 August 2010). "Religiosity Highest in World's Poorest Nations". Gallup. Retrieved 27 May 2015. (in which numbers have been rounded)
17. ^ Mammadli, Nijat (7 June 2018). "Islam and Youth in Azerbaijan". Baku Research Institute. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. "quote:"Also, according to rough estimates, Shiites constitute 60-65% of the Muslim population, and Sunnis – 35-40%.""
18. ^ Roy, The Failure of Political Islam, 1994, p.190-91
19. ^ Roy, The Failure of Political Islam, 1994, p.173-74
20. ^ a b "The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan" (PDF). Azərbaycan Respublikası Sahibkarlar (İşəgötürənlər) Təşkilatları Milli Konfederasiyası. October 2019.
21. ^ "Minister: Worsening of situation in Azerbaijan in connection with banning hijab in schools provoked by certain forces". Trend News Agency. 2010-12-14.
22. ^ "Azerbaijan to toughen school hijab ban enforcement". Business Recorder. 2024-08-15.
23. ^ Service, Forum 18 News. "Azerbaijan: State to have veto on religious leader appointments?". www.forum18.org. Retrieved 2021-05-11.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
24. ^ a b Balci, Bayram; Jafarov, Azer (2007-02-21), "The Baháʼís of the Caucasus: From Russian Tolerance to Soviet Repression {2/3}", Caucaz.com, archived from the original on 2007-10-30
25. ^ a b "Baháʼí Faith History in Azerbaijan". National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Azerbaijan. Archived from the original on 2012-02-19. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
26. ^ Stendardo, Luigi (1985-01-30). Leo Tolstoy and the Baháʼí Faith. London, UK: George Ronald Publisher Ltd. ISBN 978-0-85398-215-9. Archived from the original on 2008-12-06.
27. ^ Universal House of Justice (1986). In Memoriam. Vol. XVIII. Baháʼí World Centre. pp. 797–800\. ISBN 0-85398-234-1. `{{cite book}}`: `|journal=` ignored (help)
28. ^ Hassall, Graham (1993). "Notes on the Babi and Baháʼí Religions in Russia and its territories". The Journal of Baháʼí Studies. 05 (3). Retrieved 2008-06-01 - via Bahá'í Library Online.
29. ^ Hassall, Graham. "Notes on Research on National Spiritual Assemblies". Research notes. Asia Pacific Bahá'í Studies. Retrieved 2008-12-21 - via Bahá'í Library Online.
30. ^ Balci, Bayram; Jafarov, Azer (2007-03-20), "The Bahá'ís of the Caucasus: From Russian Tolerance to Soviet Repression {3/3}", Caucaz.com
31. ^ U.S. State Department (2006-09-15). "International Religious Freedom Report 2006– Azerbaijan". The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affair. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
32. ^ a b "Azerbaijan". www.azerbaijan.az. Archived from the original on 2019-04-28. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
33. ^ "Global Christianity". Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
34. ^ "Global Christianity - A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Christian Population" (PDF). Pew Research Center.
35. ^ "5,000 Azerbaijanis adopted Christianity" (in Russian). Day.az. 7 July 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
36. ^ "Christian Missionaries Becoming Active in Azerbaijan" (in Azerbaijani). Tehran Radio. 19 June 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
37. ^ "Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator in Baku, Azerbaijan". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
38. ^ De Waal, Thomas (2003). Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War. New york: New York University Press. ISBN 978-0-8147-1945-9.
39. ^ "Visions of Azerbaijan Magazine: Fountains Square: Looking Back in History". Visions of Azerbaijan Magazine (in Russian). Retrieved 2018-02-23.
40. ^ "Religions in Present Azerbaijan". Archived from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
41. ^ "AssA-Irada news agency". Archived from the original on 2006-06-01. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
42. ^ "MM Speaker meets State Secretary of Vatican".
43. ^ The Korea Times Azerbaijan Cultural Week Hits South Korea
44. ^ "Azərbaycanda 10 sinaqoq var". simsar.az. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
45. ^ "ПРАВОСЛАВИЕ В АЗЕРБАЙДЖАН". pravoslavie.ru. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
46. ^ (in Russian) Construction of Catholic Church in Baku Coming to End Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine by R.Manafli. Echo. 8 March 2007
47. ^ "Tolerance". multiculturalism.preslib.az. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
48. ^ Nielsen, Jørgen S.; Nielsen, Jørgen; Akgönül, Samim; Alibasi, Ahmet; Racius, Egdunas (12 October 2012). Yearbook of Muslims in Europe, Volume 4. BRILL. ISBN 978-9004225213.
49. ^ Gould, Kevin (July 14, 2011). "Its an all-Jewish town, but no, its not in Israel". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
50. ^ "Jerusalem of the Caucasus". visions.az. 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
51. ^ "The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-10-26. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
52. ^ "2016 declared Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan". Archived from the original on 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2017-09-25.
53. ^ "Juma Mosque Congregation of Baku vs. Azerbaijan". Becket Law. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
54. ^ "Azerbaijan". U.S. Department of State. 14 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
55. ^ "Highlights of the Past Year". Retrieved 23 August 2015.
56. ^ "2004 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Azerbaijan". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
57. ^ a b "Articles / Security Watch / ISN". Retrieved 23 August 2015.
58. ^ a b Corley, Felix (8 June 2011). "Azerbaijan: Communities to be forced to begin re-registration again?". Forum 18. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
59. ^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: "Azerbaijan". United States Department of State 2019 report. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
60. ^ Kucera, Joshua (20 Sep 2018). "Azerbaijani Shias gather for Ashura, under close watch from the state". eurasianet. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
61. ^ Murad, Ismayilov (17 Jul 2019). "Islamic radicalism that never was: Islamic discourse as an extension of the elite's quest for legitimation. Azerbaijan in focus". Journal of Eurasian Studies. 10 (2): 183–196\. doi:10.1177/1879366519863167. S2CID 199293670.
62. ^ "Azerbaijan: Freedom in the World 2023 Country Report". Freedom House. Retrieved 2023-08-01.

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ * "2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Azerbaijan". U.S Department of State. 2 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. "According to 2011 SCWRA data (the most recent available), 96 percent of the population is Muslim, of which approximately 65 percent is Shia and 35 percent Sunni."[5]
* Greenger, Nurit (8 May 2017). "Azerbaijan a Destination Worthwhile. My week travel log in Azerbaijan - Day two". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023.
* Balci, Bayram (18 March 2013). "The Syrian Crisis: A View from Azerbaijan". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
* Ismayilov, Murad (2018). "1: Hybrid Intentionality and Exogenus Sources of Elite's Manifold Attitudes to Islam in Azerbaijan". The Dialectics of Post-Soviet Modernity and the Changing Contours of Islamic Discourse in Azerbaijan. London SE11 4AB: Lexington Books. p. 2\. ISBN 9781498568364. "the country's population historically divided between the Shia (currently some 50-65 percent of the population) and the Sunni (about 35-50 percent)."`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location (link)
* S. Nielsem, Jorgen; Balciz Goyushov, Bayram, Altay (2013). "Azerbaijan". Yearbook of Muslims in Europe: Volume 5. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill. p. 65\. ISBN 978-90-04-25456-5. "quote:"While traditionally approximately 65% of local Muslims are considered Shi'i and 35% Sunnis, due to a great success of international Sunni missionary organisations after the collapse of the Soviet Union, currently the estimated number of practicising Sunni and Shi'i Muslims in the big urban areas are almost equal""`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
* Whitaker's Shorts 2015: International. Bloomsbury. 2014. ISBN 9781472914842.
2. ^ * "2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Azerbaijan". U.S Department of State. 2 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. "According to 2011 SCWRA data (the most recent available), 96 percent of the population is Muslim, of which approximately 65 percent is Shia and 35 percent Sunni."
* Greenger, Nurit (8 May 2017). "Azerbaijan a Destination Worthwhile. My week travel log in Azerbaijan - Day two". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023.
* Balci, Bayram (18 March 2013). "The Syrian Crisis: A View from Azerbaijan". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
* Ismayilov, Murad (2018). "1: Hybrid Intentionality and Exogenus Sources of Elite's Manifold Attitudes to Islam in Azerbaijan". The Dialectics of Post-Soviet Modernity and the Changing Contours of Islamic Discourse in Azerbaijan. London SE11 4AB: Lexington Books. p. 2\. ISBN 9781498568364. "the country's population historically divided between the Shia (currently some 50-65 percent of the population) and the Sunni (about 35-50 percent)."`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location (link)
* S. Nielsem, Jorgen; Balciz Goyushov, Bayram, Altay (2013). "Azerbaijan". Yearbook of Muslims in Europe: Volume 5. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill. p. 65\. ISBN 978-90-04-25456-5. "quote:"While traditionally approximately 65% of local Muslims are considered Shi'i and 35% Sunnis, due to a great success of international Sunni missionary organisations after the collapse of the Soviet Union, currently the estimated number of practicising Sunni and Shi'i Muslims in the big urban areas are almost equal""`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
* Whitaker's Shorts 2015: International. Bloomsbury. 2014. ISBN 9781472914842.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Religion in Azerbaijan.

* http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20060519213144/http://azernews.net/eng/gizli/view.php?d=14911
* Vatican in Baku
* North American Azerbaijani Network – an organization of over 90 groups and churches committed to seeing the Azerbaijani people reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
* Charles, Robia: "Religiosity in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan" in the Caucasus Analytical Digest No. 20

* v
* t
* e

Azerbaijan articles

History|

| Early|

* Stone Age
* Bronze and Iron age
* Kura–Araxes culture
* Nakhchivan culture
* Khojaly–Gadabay culture
* Shulaveri–Shomu culture
* Mughan culture
* Jar-Burial Culture
* Leyla-Tepe culture
* Achaemenid Empire
* Caucasian Albania
* Parthian Empire
* Arran (Caucasus)
* Sasanian Empire
* Shirvan

|

Middle Ages|

* Sajid dynasty
* Sallarid dynasty
* Shaddadids
* Shirvanshahs
* Eldiguzids
* Ilkhanate
* Kara Koyunlu
* Aq Qoyunlu
* Safavid Iran
* Afsharid Iran
* Khanates of the Caucasus
* Zand dynasty
* Qajar Iran
* Russo-Persian War (1804–13)
* Treaty of Gulistan
* Russo-Persian War (1826–1828)
* Treaty of Turkmenchay

Modern|

* Armenian–Tatar massacres
* March Days
* Armenian–Azerbaijani war (1918–1920)
* Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
* Soviet Azerbaijan
* First Nagorno-Karabakh War
* Black January
* Independent Azerbaijan
* Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

By topic|

* History of the name Azerbaijan
* Azerbaijan national awakening
* The Land of Fire

Geography|

* Bodies of water
* Caspian Sea
* Climate
* Climate change
* Earthquakes
* Environment
* issues
* Extreme points
* Fauna
* Flora
* Geology
* Caves
* Mountains
* Lakes
* National parks
* Orography
* Protected areas
* State reserves
* Wildlife

Subdivisions|

* Administrative divisions
* Borders
* Cities
* World Heritage Sites

Politics|

| Government|

* Cabinet
* Constitution
* Elections
* Foreign relations
* Human rights
* LGBT
* Children's rights
* Law enforcement
* Military
* National Assembly
* Political parties
* Politics
* President
* Prime Minister
* Migration

|

Economy|

* Agriculture
* Central Bank
* Companies
* Energy
* Manat (currency)
* Metallurgy
* Mineral industry
* Natural resources
* Petroleum industry
* Radio
* Telecommunications
* Television
* Tourism
* Transport

Culture|

* Animation
* Architecture
* Art
* Cinema
* Cuisine (wine)
* Customs
* Dances
* Dress
* Folklore
* Holidays
* National identity
* Language
* Literature
* Media
* Music
* Mythology
* Novruz (New Year)
* Public holidays
* Religion
* Rug
* Sport
* Tea culture
* Theatre
* Wedding

Demographics|

* Education
* Ethnic minorities
* Gender equality
* Health
* Healthcare
* Languages
* LGBT rights
* People
* list
* Women

Symbols|

* Flag
* National anthem
* National emblem

* Outline
* Index
* Bibliography

* Category
* Portal

* v
* t
* e

Religion in Azerbaijan

Major religions|

* Islam
* Christianity
* Eastern Orthodoxy
* Russian
* Georgian
* Oriental Orthodoxy
* Armenian
* Caucasian Albanian†
* Roman Catholic

Other religions|

* Bahá'í Faith
* Judaism
* Hinduism
* Irreligion
* Paganism†
* Zoroastrianism

By region|

* Artsakh

Related|

* Freedom of religion in Azerbaijan

* v
* t
* e

Religion in Asia

Sovereign states|

* Afghanistan
* Armenia
* Azerbaijan
* Bahrain
* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* Cyprus
* Egypt
* Georgia
* India
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Iraq
* Israel
* Japan
* Jordan
* Kazakhstan
* North Korea
* South Korea
* Kuwait
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Lebanon
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Mongolia
* Myanmar
* Nepal
* Oman
* Pakistan
* Philippines
* Qatar
* Russia
* Saudi Arabia
* Singapore
* Sri Lanka
* Syria
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Timor-Leste (East Timor)
* Turkey
* Turkmenistan
* United Arab Emirates
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

States with
limited recognition|

* Abkhazia
* Northern Cyprus
* Palestine
* South Ossetia
* Taiwan

Dependencies and
other territories|

* British Indian Ocean Territory
* Christmas Island
* Cocos (Keeling) Islands
* Hong Kong
* Macau

* Category
* Asia portal

* v
* t
* e

Religion in Europe

Sovereign states|

* Albania
* Andorra
* Armenia
* Austria
* Azerbaijan
* Belarus
* Belgium
* Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Bulgaria
* Croatia
* Cyprus
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Georgia
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Iceland
* Ireland
*   * Italy
* Kazakhstan
* Latvia
* Liechtenstein
* Lithuania
* Luxembourg
* Malta
* Moldova
* Monaco
* Montenegro
* Netherlands
* North Macedonia
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Russia
* San Marino
* Serbia
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* Turkey
* Ukraine
* United Kingdom
* Vatican City

States with limited
recognition|

* Abkhazia
* Kosovo
* Northern Cyprus
* South Ossetia
* Transnistria

Dependencies and
other entities|

* Åland
* Faroe Islands
* Gibraltar
* Guernsey
* Isle of Man
* Jersey
* Svalbard

Other entities|

* European Union

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