Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, officially known as the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. Additionally, it shares a border with Turkey through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan.
History
- Ancient Times: The territory of modern-day Azerbaijan was inhabited by various ancient cultures, including the Medes, Achaemenid Empire, and Caucasian Albania.
- Medieval Period: The region came under the influence of the Arab Caliphate, followed by the Seljuk Turks, and later the Shirvanshahs.
- Safavid and Qajar Era: In the 16th century, it was incorporated into the Safavid Empire. After the decline of the Safavids, the territory was contested by various powers until the Qajar Dynasty of Iran.
- Russian and Soviet Influence: Following the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828, Azerbaijan was divided between Russia and Iran. The Russian part was later integrated into the Soviet Union as the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic after the October Revolution.
- Independence: Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, following the dissolution of the USSR.
Geography
Azerbaijan's landscape includes the vast plains of the Kura-Araks Lowland, the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and the Talysh Mountains. The country has a diverse climate ranging from the subtropical by the Caspian Sea to the cold winters of the mountains.
Economy
The economy of Azerbaijan is largely based on petroleum and natural gas exports. Baku, the capital, has been the hub for the oil industry since the late 19th century. Other economic activities include agriculture (notably cotton, tea, and fruits), tourism, and manufacturing.
Culture
Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Persian, Turkic, and Soviet past. Key cultural elements include:
- Music: Mugham music, which is listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Literature: Noted for figures like Nizami Ganjavi, a celebrated poet of the 12th century.
- Cuisine: Characterized by dishes like Plov, Dolma, and various kebabs.
Politics
Azerbaijan is a presidential republic where the President holds significant power. The country's political landscape has been marked by conflicts, particularly the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict with Armenia.
Current Issues
- Nagorno-Karabakh: The conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region remains unresolved, with periodic escalations and ongoing negotiations.
- Human Rights: Azerbaijan faces criticism for its human rights record, including freedom of speech and press.
- Environmental Concerns: Oil exploration and extraction have led to environmental degradation, particularly in the Caspian Sea region.
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