Jump to content

Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by LouisAragon (talk | contribs) at 15:23, 17 October 2015 (See also). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Iranian Zoroastrians praying in Ateshgah of Baku.

Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan goes back to the first millennium BC or earlier and was the predominant religion of Greater Iran before the conversion to Islam. The name Azerbaijan is Persian and means "protect(or) of Fire",[1] which is said to have a direct link with Zoroastrianism.[2]

Today the religion, culture and traditions of Zoroastrianism remains highly respected in Azerbaijan, and the new year Nowruz continues to be the main holiday in the country. Zoroastrianism has left a deep mark in the history of Azerbaijan. Traces of the religion are still visible in Surakhany,[3] Khinalyg, and Yanar Dag.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ Persian Lexicons:Dehkhoda, Moin, etc.
  2. ^ Zoroastrianism, By Paula R. Hartz, Joanne O'Brien, Martin Palmer 3rd ed. at p. 102 http://books.google.com/books?id=VWJdlJjGx5MC&pg=PA102&lpg=PA102&dq=protector+of+fire+zoroastrianism&source=bl&ots=7jWPbwJhWg&sig=xSFjsT6D9UArA26zPcTXbxTLDXQ&hl=en&ei=2RmVTo3_BqTkiAKTgZHrBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=protector%20of%20fire%20zoroastrianism&f=false.
  3. ^ "Ateshgahs and Zoroastrians in Azerbaijan: Good thoughts, good words, good deeds". Retrieved 20 July 2012.