Azerbaijanis

Azerbaijanis, also known as Azeris or Azerbaijani Turks, are a large Turkic ethnic group. They mainly live in the Azerbaijan region of northwestern Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. They are the biggest ethnic group in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the second-biggest group in nearby Iran and Georgia.

Azerbaijanis speak the Azerbaijani language, which belongs to the Oghuz branch of the Turkic languages. Most of them practice Shia Islam.

Their history was shaped by big changes. After the Russo-Persian Wars, areas in the Caucasus that once belonged to Qajar Iran became part of the Russian Empire. This was settled by the treaties of Gulistan in 1813 and Turkmenchay in 1828. Later, in 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was created, setting the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Etymology

Azerbaijan is thought to be named after Atropates, a Persian governor who ruled the area around 321 BC. His name means "guardian of fire." Over time, the name changed and became Azerbaijan due to influences from the Arabic language.

Today, the people called Azerbaijanis or Azeris are mainly from the northwestern part of Iran and the country of Azerbaijan. In the past, they were often called Muslims or Turks. When their area became part of the Russian Empire, they were referred to as Tatars by Russian authorities. Later, during the Soviet period, the name "Azerbaijanis" became commonly used for these people.

History

Main articles: History of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan (Iran) § History

The people of Azerbaijan have a long and interesting history. Long ago, the area was home to different groups, including people who spoke ancient languages from the Iranian family. In the 11th century, groups of Turkic-speaking people began moving into the region. Over time, these groups mixed with the local people, and the area became known for its blend of cultures.

The region was later influenced by many empires, including the Persian empires and later the Arab empires after the spread of Islam. In more recent times, the area was part of both the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, before becoming independent in 1991. Today, the history of Azerbaijan is a rich mix of many different cultures and influences.

Origins

Main article: Origin of the Azerbaijanis

Azerbaijanis are mostly considered a Turkic people, but some believe their origins are not fully clear. They might come from groups in the Caucasus or Iran, or a mix of both. One idea is that people who spoke old Iranian languages later began speaking a Turkic language after Turkic groups moved into the area.

Historical research shows that an old Iranian language was spoken in this region for many years.

Some Azerbaijanis living in the Republic of Azerbaijan may come from people who lived in an ancient area called Caucasian Albania, located in the eastern Caucasus. Over time, these people might have been influenced by groups from Iran and later by groups from Turkey.

See also: Turkification

The process of becoming more Turkic happened as Turkic groups moved into the area we now call Azerbaijan. This became stronger during different time periods, such as the time of the Seljuk leaders and later groups.

Main articles: Iranian peoples, Persian peoples, Tat people (Iran), and Tat people (Caucasus)

An Arab writer from the 900s mentioned the old Iranian language spoken in Azerbaijan and said the area was home to Persians. Evidence from old times shows that a religion from Iran was common in the Caucasus before other religions arrived.

Main articles: Peoples of the Caucasus and Caucasian Albania

Some believe Azerbaijanis come from people who lived in eastern Transcaucasia and maybe from groups in northern Iran. Over time, these groups may have been influenced by people from Iran and later by groups from Turkey. We know more about the Caucasian Albanians, including their language and history.

See also: Genetic history of the Middle East and Genetic history of Europe

Studies of genetics show that people in Western Asia, including Azerbaijan, have been shaped by early farming groups and later groups who moved into the area. However, as of 2017, there has not been a full study looking at the DNA of people from Azerbaijan. Some studies comparing groups nearby suggest that Azerbaijanis share genetic ties with their close neighbors, both in terms of geography and language. Other studies show a mix of genetic influences from different areas, including Central Asia, which may reflect historical movements of people into the region.

Demographics and society

See also: Demographics of Azerbaijan, Demographics of Iran, and List of Azerbaijanis

Most Azerbaijanis live in the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iranian Azerbaijan. About 9.1 million live in Azerbaijan, and between 12 and 23 million live in Iran, mainly in the northwest. There is also a large Azerbaijani community spread around the world. In Dagestan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, over a million people speak the northern Azerbaijani dialect.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan

See also: Wedding tradition in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijanis make up over 90% of the population in the Republic of Azerbaijan, making them the largest ethnic group there. The country has a high literacy rate of about 99.5%. After gaining independence, Azerbaijan developed a secular system of government.

The country has benefited from its oil industry, though corruption has held back full prosperity. Despite challenges, Azerbaijan is experiencing economic growth with new opportunities for its people.

In Iran

Main article: Iranian Azerbaijanis

The number of Azerbaijanis in Iran is debated. Some estimates suggest they make up around 16% of Iran's population, while others place the figure higher. They mainly live in the northwestern provinces such as West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan, with smaller groups in other areas.

Azerbaijanis in Iran have historically been well integrated, though there have been times when their language and culture faced restrictions. Despite some tensions, they remain an important part of Iran's society.

Subgroups

Ayrum from Azerbaijan (left); Shahsevan girls from a rich family. End of the 19th century, Iran (right).

Azerbaijanis include several ethnic groups, each with their own traditions. Some of the main groups are:

• Ayrums
• Afshars
• Bayat
• Qaradaghis
• Qizilbash
• Karapapak
• Padar tribe
• Terekeme
• Shahsevan
• Qajars

Diaspora

Main article: Azerbaijani diaspora

Women

See also: Women in Azerbaijan and Women in Iran

In Azerbaijan, women gained the right to vote in 1917 and have achieved equality in many urban areas. They hold important positions in government and the judiciary. In Iran, women have been working toward greater rights and equality, though they face challenges in achieving full participation in society.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Azerbaijan and Culture of Iran

Language and literature

Main articles: Azerbaijani language and Azerbaijani literature

Azerbaijanis speak the Azerbaijani language, a Turkic language that has roots dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. This language is closely related to several other languages, including Qashqai, Gagauz, Turkish, Turkmen, and Crimean Tatar. Even though there are some differences between how people speak in different places, they can still understand each other.

Early stories among Azerbaijanis were told by word of mouth, and later written down. Famous poets like Nasimi and Fuzûlî helped create early written works. Many today still enjoy these old tales and poems.

Many Azerbaijanis can also speak another language besides their own. In some places, they speak Russian, while in others, they speak Persian.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in Azerbaijan, Islam in Azerbaijan, and Islam in Iran

Most Azerbaijanis practice a type of Shi'a Muslims, but there are also some who follow Sunni Muslims or other beliefs like Baháʼís. Some people do not follow any specific religion. Small groups also follow other traditions, mixing old customs with newer beliefs.

Performing arts

See also: Music of Azerbaijan and Music of Iran

Azerbaijanis enjoy many kinds of music and dance. Traditional dances often have people standing in a circle, with a leader showing steps or changes by hand signals.

Musicians called Ashiqs have long been important, playing instruments like the saz and singing stories. Other instruments include the tar, balaban, kamancha, and dhol. Some modern musicians mix different styles to create new kinds of music.

Sports

See also: Azerbaijan at the Olympics and List of Azerbaijani Olympic medalists

Azerbaijanis enjoy many sports, both old and new. Wrestling, throwing things, and fencing are some of the older games. Today, many are good at Olympic sports. The government helps young people take part in sports.

Athletes from this group have done well in weight lifting, gymnastics, shooting, karate, boxing, and wrestling. Some have won big competitions around the world. Chess is also very popular, with several top players coming from this group. Karate has also seen great success, with champions winning many titles.