Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan

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.

See also

References

  1. Persian Lexicons:Dehkhoda, Moin, etc.
  2. Hartz, Paula (2009-01-01). Zoroastrianism. Infobase Publishing. p. 102. ISBN 9781438117805.
  3. "Ateshgahs and Zoroastrians in Azerbaijan: Good thoughts, good words, good deeds". Retrieved 20 July 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 5/9/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.