The Azerbaijanis. People, Culture and History

This handbook is an introduction to the Azerbaijanis or Azeri Turks and their culture and history. Today they live principally in the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iran, along with significant groups in Turkey, Europe and Russia. History sections place the development of the Azeri people and their culture within the context of the Caucasus/Caspian region's intricate and frequently turbulent past. This also provides the background for the complex subject of religion in the region, from Zoroastrianism and ancient Christianity to Islam and modern secularism. Insights into the impact of the oil industry and modern politics help to explain the historical reasons for the present ethnic conflict within Azerbaijan. Overviews of folklore, customs and crafts give insights into the traditional cycle of Azeri life. These are complemented by sections on language and literature, including the Golden Age of the great poets Fizuli and Nizami (writer of the epics 'Khosrow and Shirin', 'Leyla and Majnun' and the 'Iskandar-nameh') as well as writers of the modern era and the growth of the media. Other areas covered include architecture, art, music and film. Illustrated with maps throughout, this sourcebook also contains a list of Azeri proverbs, a chronology of events and a bibliography for further reading.