Burning gas vents in the ground may explain how the Azeri got their name, thought to be related to the Persian word for "fire." Fire was an important symbol for the Zoroastrians, who built temples around the burning vents in this gas and oil rich country. Ethnically Turkic, the Azeri (or Azerbaijani) descended from Central Asian nomads and settled in the land of the ancient Medes. Though Christianity became the state religion in the fourth century, Islam has been practiced since the seventh century when Arabs brought it to the region. The longsuffering Azeri survived invasions not only by the Arabs, but also by Persians, Turks, Mongols and finally the Soviets. Independent since 1991, modern-day Azerbaijan borders Russia and Georgia to the north, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south and the Caspian Sea to the East. Ninety percent of its eight million people are ethnic Azeri. Since 1988, Azerbaijan has been in a sometimes-violent territorial dispute with Armenia. Tragically, this has led to ethnic cleansing on both sides, as well as large numbers of Azeri refugees forced to flee the disputed region.


CULTURE

Literature

Azeris have a rich literary tradition, founded on ancient oral poems and epics. The famous 12th century poet, Nizami Ganjavi, produced "Layla and Majnun." one of the best-known legends in the Orient. Nizami's work has been compared to that of Shakespeare for its beauty and genius. Modern Azeri literature has been heavily influenced by Mirza Fatali Akhundzada, a prose writer, dramatist and philosopher of the 19th century.

Music

Traditional music is performed by poet-singers known as ashugs. Their songs commonly describe the valiant deeds of ancient heroes. Mugam is a popular, complex form of folk music based on poetry. While considered secular music, many of its themes deal with mystical love for God. It is improvisational in nature, and combines both vocal and instrumental performance.

Language

While Russian is still commonly spoken, the official language of Azerbaijan is Azeri, a Turkic language divided into two branches that differ in grammar and structure. Written Azeri has undergone several alphabet changes through the centuries: from Turkic to Arabic to Cyrillic and most recently, Latin.


Food

Traditional Azeri cuisine is heavy on meat, sometimes combining it with chestnuts, dried apricots, raisins and pomegranate juice. Although camel meat turnovers have all but disappeared, boiled hoof accompanied by garlic-vinegar and a shot of vodka for breakfast is popular. On the less exotic side, Azeris enjoy a wide variety of pilafs, dolmas (stuffed vegetables) and fresh salads. Soup is a staple, as is bread, and tea is served both before and after meals, with sugar or hard candy. Tea is such an integral part of life that many businesses employ a person just to serve it all day long!


ECONOMY

Just over a century ago, Azerbaijan produced 50% of the world's oil. Though still rich in oil and gas resources, the country suffers severe economic problems. Over half of the population live below the poverty line and an estimated one fifth are unemployed. Major industries include petroleum and petroleum products, steel, iron ore, cement, chemicals and textiles. Agriculture and forestry account for 32% of the workforce. A varied climate allows for a wide range of products including cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tobacco and tea.


SOCIETY

Prior to the Soviet period, Azeri marriages were commonly within the clan and often between first cousins. Arranged marriages, though not to relatives, are still common. The practice of acquiring a bride through kidnapping is not unknown in rural areas.

Azerbaijanis are extraordinarily generous when it comes to hospitality. The guest invited for "just a cup of tea" will often be treated to an elaborate meal that has taken hours to prepare. Sharing tea and food is the Azeri form of networking, and is integral to developing and maintaining friendships.


RELIGIOUS LIFE

94% of the population are Muslim, though most only nominally. Approximately 70% are Shiite, while the other 30% are Sunni. Although many young people are not practicing Muslims, they evidence a growing curiosity about Islam. Women's roles are also less confined than in many other Muslim countries, with a majority working outside the home.


Contact with Christianity

During the communist period, Russian and Armenian Orthodox, as well as exiled protestant groups had a presence in Azerbaijan. Though many Russians have left, some national Christian churches exist in the capitol city of Baku. The percentage of Azeris who are Christian is very small, however. Although the constitution allows for religious freedom, the law forbids proselytizing and restricts publishing and importing religious literature. Azeris who convert are considered apostates from Islam and subject to police harassment. Another hindrance to the Gospel centers on the conflict with the Armenians, who are traditionally Christian. Though the territorial dispute began as a political one, it has unfortunately grown to encompass an Islam versus Christianity dimension.


PLEASE PRAY:

• Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of the Azeri towards Christianity.
• Pray for Azerbaijan's government leaders to freely allow publishing, importing and distributing Christian literature.
• Ask God to raise up more Azeri Christians and to strengthen the local churches.
• Ask God to guide followers of Christ in their strategies for reaching the Azeri.
• Pray that the Lord will call more people to intercede for the Azeri.