Azerbaijanis

Azerigirls

aturpahlavi

patpahlavi

Shirvan_Tatar,_engraving_from_1839

1ST_AZ_REP

Flag_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_Azerbaijan_(1918)

Army_of_Azerbaijan_in_1918

Ethnic group native to the South Caucasus region

The Azerbaijanis (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycanlılar), also known as Azeris, are a Turkic ethnic group primarily living in the South Caucasus region. They are predominantly found in Azerbaijan and Iran, with significant communities in Russia, Turkey, and other countries.

History

The history of Azerbaijanis is deeply intertwined with the history of the Caucasus and the broader Middle East. The region has been influenced by various empires and cultures, including the Persian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire. The modern Azerbaijani identity began to form in the 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by the rise of nationalism and the decline of imperial rule.

Language

The Azerbaijani language, also known as Azeri, is a member of the Oghuz branch of the Turkic languages. It has two primary dialects: Northern Azerbaijani, spoken in Azerbaijan, and Southern Azerbaijani, spoken in Iran. The language uses the Latin alphabet in Azerbaijan and the Persian alphabet in Iran.

Culture

Azerbaijani culture is a rich blend of Turkic, Persian, and Caucasian influences. Traditional music, such as Mugham, and dances like the Yalli are integral parts of Azerbaijani cultural heritage. The country is also known for its carpet weaving, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Religion

The majority of Azerbaijanis are Muslims, with the largest group adhering to Shia Islam. There is also a significant minority of Sunni Muslims. The religious landscape has been shaped by the historical presence of various empires and the influence of neighboring regions.

Diaspora

Azerbaijanis have a significant diaspora, with large communities in countries such as Russia, Turkey, and the United States. These communities maintain their cultural and linguistic heritage while integrating into their host countries.

Notable Azerbaijanis

• Heydar Aliyev - Former President of Azerbaijan
• Ilham Aliyev - Current President of Azerbaijan
• Gara Garayev - Composer
• Rashid Behbudov - Singer and actor

Related Pages

• Azerbaijan
• Iranian Azerbaijan
• Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
• Turkic peoples
• Caucasus

Categories

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