Azeri in Azerbaijan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Azerbaijan is located in the Caucasus Mountain region on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is there, in the land of the ancient Medes, that we find more than six million Azerbaijanis (also known as the Azeri). The name "Azeri" is thought to have come from the fourth century ruler, Atropat, who governed the area that is now northwestern Iran. However, it may have been derived from azer, the Persian word for fire.

The Azeri have been subjected to numerous invasions throughout history. The homeland of the Azeri was first conquered by the Persians in the sixth century B.C. Islam was introduced into the area during the seventh century A.D., and has been practiced there ever since. By the eleventh century, Persian influence was overpowered by Turkic influence. During the thirteenth century, this region of Asia fell under the dominion of Genghis Khan.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Azerbaijan is a low, fertile plateau located in the South Caucasus. The region's largest city, Baku and its surrounding areas are low and not covered with trees, but its border areas--Guba, Gusar, Lankoran, Gadabay, Zagatala, Oguz, Gakh, Tovuz,
Masalli and Gabala-- are covered with thick forests.

The climate ranges from warm to sub-tropical temperatures. Grain, grapes, cattle, sheep, and goats are raised in abundance. Vegetables, fruits, and some teas are also important products. Although the land is ideal for farming, about one fourth of the population now lives in Baku, the nation's capital, working in industry.

Russian involvement in the Transcaucasus began in the early eighteenth century in an attempt to obtain raw materials. In 1922, Azerbaijan was incorporated into the Soviet Union. This changed the face of the nation, mainly through the development of petroleum resources. Most Azerbaijani continued to farm the rich soils, but many moved into the cities to work in industry. There they found themselves working unskilled jobs and taking direction from Russian managers.

Azerbaijani settlements were traditionally divided into villages made up of extended families. In an attempt to protect their culture, marriage within the family was encouraged. Unions between first cousins were considered the most desirable. Marriage to a non-Azerbaijani was almost unheard of prior to the Soviet period. Polygyny (having more than one wife) was only allowed in cases of infertility.

The Azerbaijani diet consists mainly of rice pilaf and a variety of grilled and boiled meats including beef, goat, and lamb. Traditional dishes include bozartma (mutton stew), dovga (a soup made from yogurt), meat, and herbs. Other dishes are dolma, khingal, kabab and dushbara. Tea and wine are popular drinks.

The Azeri language belongs to the southwestern (Oguz) branch of the Turkic language family. Azeri has a written tradition that dates back to the fourteenth century.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Azerbaijanis are primarily Shi'ite Muslims, but there are a number of Sunni Muslims as well. Islam among the Azerbaijani is a reflection of the historical ties that exist between Azerbaijan and Iran. Until the twentieth century, most Azeri identified themselves as Muslims rather than Azerbaijani or Turks. They believe that being a "spiritual community of Islam" was much more important than being a nation.

In Azerbaijan, religious practices are less restrictive of women's activities than in most other Muslim countries. Most women have jobs outside the home, and a few have attained leadership positions. However, some evidence of the traditional, restrictive female role remains.


What Are Their Needs?

Azerbaijan experienced severe economic problems during the first years of the collapse of Soviet Transcaucasus republics. But today it is the most powerful and developed country in the South Caucasus. The rate of unemployment has significantly decreased during the past several years.


Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Azerbaijanis.


Scripture Prayers for the Azerbaijani in Azerbaijan.


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

People Name General Azerbaijani
People Name in Country Azerbaijani
Natural Name Azeri
Pronunciation uh-ZARE-ee
Alternate Names Azerbaijan; Azeri Turk; Turkmen
Population this Country 7,962,000
Population all Countries 9,063,000
Total Countries 20
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 159
People ID 10528
ROP3 Code 100675
ROP25 Code 300626
ROP25 Name Azerbaijani (Azeri)
Country Azerbaijan
Region Asia, Central
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Along the Caspian coast in the southern Caucasus Mountains.   Source:  www.ethnologue.com
Country Azerbaijan
Region Asia, Central
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Along the Caspian coast in the southern Caucasus Mountains..   Source:  www.ethnologue.com
Map of Azerbaijani in Azerbaijan Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Religion Subdivision: Shia
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.22 %)
0.40 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
87.00 %
Non-Religious
12.50 %
Other / Small
0.10 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Azerbaijani, North (7,962,000 speakers)
Language Code azj   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Azerbaijani, North (7,962,000 speakers)
Language Code azj   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Azerbaijani, North

Primary Language:  Azerbaijani, North

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1842-1891)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2004)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1891-2014)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Azerbaijani, North Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Azerbaijani, North YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Azerbaijani, North YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter IBT, Russia - resources Institute for Bible Translation - Russia
Text / Printed Matter Jesus Messiah comic book General / Other
Text / Printed Matter Tools for faith conversations Campus Crusade for Christ
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.