Islam is the largest religion in Azerbaijan, and it plays a significant cultural and historical role in the country, though modern religious practice there is relatively moderate and secular compared to many other Muslim-majority nations.
Key Points about Islam in Azerbaijan:
1. Demographics:
- Over 95% of Azerbaijan’s population identifies as Muslim.
- Shia Islam is the dominant branch, with around 65-75% of the Muslim population adhering to Shia Islam (mostly Twelver Shia).
- The rest (about 25-35%) follow Sunni Islam, mainly of the Hanafi school.
2. Historical Context:
- Islam arrived in the region in the 7th century during the Arab conquests.
- Over centuries, the region became a stronghold of Shia Islam, especially during the Safavid dynasty, which established Shia Islam as the state religion.
- The Soviet era (1920–1991) suppressed religious practices, closing mosques and limiting religious expression.
- After Azerbaijan regained independence in 1991, Islam re-emerged, though society retained strong secular influences.
3. Secularism and the State:
- Azerbaijan is officially a secular state with constitutional freedom of religion.
- The government monitors religious groups closely to prevent extremism, especially foreign influences.
- Islamic dress, such as the hijab, is not widely worn compared to many Muslim countries, and religious laws do not govern civil life.
4. Religious Practices:
- Religious observance in daily life is generally low compared to the broader Muslim world.
- Ramadan fasting, Friday prayers, and Eid celebrations are observed, but not universally practiced by all.
- Mosques like Bibi-Heybat Mosque and the Taza Pir Mosque in Baku are important religious and historical sites.
5. Sufi and Folk Islam:
- Sufi traditions and local spiritual practices have historically influenced Azerbaijani Islam.
- Some regions retain pre-Islamic customs blended with Islamic beliefs, particularly in rural areas.
6. Shia-Sunni Relations:
- Azerbaijan is notable for its peaceful coexistence between Shia and Sunni Muslims, with little sectarian conflict.
7. Islamic Education & Foreign Influence:
- The state restricts foreign-trained clerics to reduce outside influence from countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia.
- Islamic education is state-supervised, and religious activity must be registered.
In Summary:
Islam in Azerbaijan is deeply woven into its cultural identity, but everyday religious practice remains moderate and secular. This blend of Shia dominance, secular governance, and tolerance makes Azerbaijan’s Islamic character distinct from both its Arab neighbors and its fellow Turkic states.
Azerbaijan
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .az
Country Code: +994