Azerbaijan is one of the oldest states in the East. Since ancient times, Azerbaijan has occupied vast territories. Its lands stretched from Derbent in the north to Zanjan in the south. Over the millennia, various ancient states have succeeded one another on the territory of modern Azerbaijan, including Manna, Atropatene, Caucasian Albania, the Safavid State, the Shirvanshahs' State, and others. Each of these states has left its mark on the history and culture of the region, which has always been characterized by significant cultural and religious diversity. Throughout the centuries, Azerbaijan has been known for its tolerance and openness to various religious and cultural traditions. Evidence of this tradition includes ancient fire-worshipping temples that have survived to the present day, as well as ancient Albanian churches, which embody the region's rich religious heritage. These historical monuments are not only important cultural artifacts but also symbols of the centuries-old coexistence of various religions and cultures in this land.
Azerbaijan, also known as the "Land of Fire", received this name due to the natural emission of gases. Medieval Arab geographers proposed a different interpretation of the name based on folk etymology. They derived it from the personal name Adarbador, which they interpreted as “temple of fire” or "guardian of fire", combining the words “adar” (fire) and “baikan” (guardian). This explanation was particularly convincing given that Atropatene did indeed have numerous Zoroastrian temples with perpetually burning fires.
Azerbaijanis, as one of the ancient peoples, possess long-standing traditions of statehood known on a global scale. The history of state formation on the territory of Azerbaijan spans approximately five thousand years. Initial forms of statehood or ethnopolitical entities in this region began to emerge in the Urmia Basin at the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 3rd millennium BCE.
From the early Stone Age (Paleolithic), the population of Azerbaijan began to develop a rich cultural heritage. In the Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic) and New Stone Age (Neolithic), there was a transition to a settled way of life, which influenced the social and economic structure of society. During this period, there was significant development in agriculture, animal husbandry, and various crafts, which contributed to the creation of a highly advanced culture.
The shift to agriculture and animal husbandry in the Neolithic led to the formation of stable settlements, which, in turn, facilitated further social and cultural progress. Craftsmen, by perfecting their skills, produced a variety of items that played a key role in the region's economy and culture.
Thus, Azerbaijan continues to preserve its unique identity due to its multilayered historical heritage and tradition of interreligious and cultural understanding.
