Religion In Azerbaijan: A Diverse Cultural History

Azerbaijan is a secular state with a diverse range of religious confessions coexisting within it. The country is considered the most secular in the Muslim world, with a 2010 survey revealing that only half of Azerbaijanis considered religion an important part of their daily life. However, the majority religion in Azerbaijan is Islam, with estimates suggesting that 93-99% of the population identify as Muslim. Of these, 55-65% are Shia Muslims, and 35-45% are Sunni Muslims. Shia Islam is prevalent in the western, central and southern regions of the country, while Sunni Islam is dominant in the north.

The religious landscape of Azerbaijan is shaped by its Soviet past and secular government, resulting in a society where Islam is more of a cultural identity than a reflection of devout practice for many. This is reflected in the lifestyle choices of most Muslims and atheists, which are largely similar.

In addition to Islam, other religious groups in the country include three large Jewish communities, Russian and Georgian Orthodox Christians, and smaller numbers of Catholics, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Baháʼís.

Azerbaijan is a secular state

The country's secular nature is reflected in its society, where Islam is more of a cultural identity than a reflection of devout practice for many. While the majority of the population identify as Muslim, the importance of religion in everyday life remains low. This is partly due to the country's Soviet past, which promoted atheism and resulted in Muslim identity being based more on culture and ethnicity than on religious observance.

Azerbaijan's secularism is also evident in its government policies and actions. The government has passed laws prohibiting religious paraphernalia, flags, and slogans in public spaces, except in places of worship and religious offices. It has also banned Ashura commemorations in public and restricted the wearing of religious headscarves in schools and passport photos.

The government has also taken steps to regulate religious groups and their activities. All religious organizations must register with the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SCWRA) and can be dissolved if they are found to cause social or religious animosity, hinder secular education, or engage in religious extremism. The SCWRA has the authority to appoint and dismiss religious leaders and manages the importation, distribution, and sale of religious materials.

Despite its secularism, Azerbaijan does allocate funds to "traditional" religious groups, including Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox Christian, and Catholic communities. The government also controls and supports the Caucasus Muslim Board (CMB), which oversees the activities of registered Islamic organizations in the country.

While Azerbaijan is a secular state, there have been concerns about religious freedom and tolerance. Local human rights groups and international organizations have reported instances of physical abuse, temporary detention, and imprisonment of religious activists by the government. There have also been reports of discrimination against individuals with religious education received abroad and those who choose to wear religious attire.

Islam is the majority religion

The majority of Muslims in Azerbaijan are adherents of the Shia branch (55-65%), while a significant minority (35-45%) are Sunni. Shia Islam is prevalent in the western, central, and southern regions of the country, with villages around Baku and the Lankaran region considered Shia strongholds. In contrast, Sunni Islam is dominant in the northern regions.

Historically, the differences between these two branches of Islam have not been sharply defined in Azerbaijan. The population's Muslim identity is largely based on culture and ethnicity rather than strict religious observance. This is due in part to the country's Soviet past and secular government, as well as its long history of religious diversity and pluralism.

Zoroastrianism, for example, was the dominant religion in Azerbaijan in the first millennium BC and is still popular among the local people. One of the most respected holidays is Novruz Bayrami, which has its roots in Zoroastrianism.

Other religious groups in Azerbaijan include three large Jewish communities (mountain Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, and Georgian Jews), Russian and Georgian Orthodox Christians, and a small number of Catholics and Protestants.

While Islam is the majority religion, the country's secular nature and long history of religious diversity mean that religious life in Azerbaijan is characterised by pluralism and tolerance.

Shia and Sunni Muslims

The primary ideological difference between the two sects relates to the question of religious authority and leadership after the death of the Prophet Mohammed. Sunnis, or 'followers of the Prophet's example', focus on following the Prophet's example, whereas Shias, or 'followers of the Party of Ali', focus on the lineage of Muhammad's family through a series of Imams. Shias believe that God always provides a guide, first through the Imams, and then through Ayatollahs, or experienced Shia scholars. Sunnis, on the other hand, emphasise the authority of the Quran and the traditions of Mohammed, and their religious scholars exert less authority over followers.

In Azerbaijan, Shia Muslims constitute 55-65% of the Muslim population, while Sunnis make up 35-40%. Traditionally, the differences between these two branches of Islam have not been sharply defined in the country. Most Shia Muslims in Azerbaijan follow the Ja'fari school of Shia Islam, while Sunni Muslims typically adhere to the Hanafi or Shafi'i school. Shia Islam is prevalent in the western, central, and southern regions of the country, with villages around Baku and the Lankaran region considered Shia strongholds. In contrast, Sunni Islam is dominant in the northern regions.

Religious freedom

Azerbaijan is a secular state, and its constitution ensures freedom of religion. However, the country's religious freedom conditions have been trending negatively, with the government exerting significant control over religious practices, particularly those of Muslims.

The Azerbaijani government, which follows a strictly secular and anti-religious ideology, represses all religions and attempts to control religious practices to prevent them from becoming an independent force that could challenge the regime's power. While the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the government heavily regulates religious activities and enforces compliance with its laws.

Legal Framework

The Azerbaijani Constitution stipulates the separation of religion and state and the equality of all religions before the law. It protects the right of individuals to express and practice their religious beliefs, provided they do not violate public order or morality. The law prohibits government interference in religious activities but allows exceptions for suspected extremist activity or illegal activity. The government has the authority to dissolve religious organizations if they cause social or religious animosity, proselytize in a way that degrades human dignity, or hinder secular education.

Restrictions and Control

The government censors religious literature, closes down religious institutions deemed objectionable, and forbids clerics from running for political office. Religious paraphernalia, flags, and slogans are prohibited outside places of worship, and Ashura festivities in public are forbidden. The wearing of the hijab in public institutions and schools is also banned.

The government uses mosque closures to repress independent Muslim groups and dismisses or arrests clerics who act contrary to the state's wishes. While religious conversion is not restricted, proselytizing is forbidden. The government controls the importation, distribution, and sale of religious materials, and unregistered religious groups are not allowed to operate.

Treatment of Religious Minorities

Azerbaijan is home to various religious minorities, including Russian Orthodox Christians, Georgian Jews, and Armenian Apostolic Christians. While these "traditional" minority groups are generally tolerated and financially supported by the public, groups with less historical presence, such as Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses, are viewed with suspicion and mistrust.

International Concerns

In 2022, the European Court of Human Rights found that the Azerbaijani government violated individual freedom of religion or belief in cases involving seven individuals. Local human rights groups have reported physical abuse, temporary detention, and imprisonment of religious activists by the government. Additionally, there have been concerns about the government's treatment of Shia Muslim religious activists and members of the unregistered Muslim Unity Movement (MUM), with arrests and convictions often appearing politically motivated.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported the arrest of 77 individuals labeled as "Shia extremists" in 2019, with 48 considered political prisoners. The government has also been criticized for its aggressive enforcement of secularism, including restrictions on veiling and scrutiny of Ashura commemorations.

Religious tolerance

Azerbaijan is a secular state with a constitution that stipulates the separation of religion and state and the equality of all religions before the law. The country is considered the most secular in the Muslim world, with a majority Muslim population (93-99%) and a long history of religious diversity.

Azerbaijan's constitution protects the right of individuals to express their religious beliefs and practice religious rituals, provided they do not violate public order or morality. The law prohibits the government from interfering in religious activities and ensures freedom of religion for all citizens. The country is home to a diverse range of religious groups, including Shia and Sunni Muslims, Russian Orthodox Christians, Georgian Orthodox Christians, Armenian Apostolic Christians, Jews, and Baháʼís, among others.

While Islam is the predominant religion, with a long historical presence in the country, Azerbaijanis are known for their tolerance and support of minority religious groups, particularly those considered "traditional" such as Jews, Russian Orthodox Christians, and Catholics. These groups often receive financial support from Azerbaijani citizens and are able to practice their faith openly.

On the other hand, religious groups with less of a historical presence in the country, such as Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses, may be viewed with suspicion and mistrust by some individuals. However, the government has taken steps to protect the rights of these minority religious groups, engaging with leaders and representatives to address issues related to religious freedom and registration processes.

The Azerbaijani government has also allocated funds to support "traditional" religious groups, including Muslim communities, Russian Orthodox Christians, Mountain Jews, European Jews, and Catholics. This support includes financial assistance for the maintenance of religious sites and the promotion of interfaith dialogue and tolerance.

While there have been reports of physical abuse, temporary detention, and arrests of religious activists by authorities, the government has also pardoned and released many religious activists considered political prisoners by human rights groups. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled in favour of religious activists in several cases, finding that the Azerbaijani government violated their freedom of religion and expression.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan is a secular state with a diverse religious landscape. While the majority of the population identifies as Muslim, the country has a long history of religious tolerance and coexistence. The government generally respects religious freedom and works to protect the rights of all religious groups, regardless of their historical presence in the country. However, there are still some challenges and incidents of intolerance, particularly towards minority religious groups with less of a historical presence. Overall, Azerbaijan serves as a model for religious tolerance and harmony in a diverse and secular Muslim-majority nation.

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