Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan

Today the religion, culture, and traditions of Zoroastrianism remain highly respected in Azerbaijan, and the new year Nowruz continues to be one of the main holidays in the country. Zoroastrianism has left a deep mark on the history of Azerbaijan. Traces of the religion are still visible in Surakhany, Khinalyg, and Yanar Dag.

History

One of the world's oldest religions, Zoroastrianism, was also practiced in the territory of Azerbaijan in ancient times. Zoroastrianism, sharing its name with its founder Iranian prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra), was one of the first monotheistic beliefs in the world and the official religion in Persia from 600 BCE to 650 CE.

Zoroastrians believe in one God, called Ahura Mazda, who created the universe. The Avesta, the sacred book of Zoroastrianism, consists of two main sections: the oldest section contains the Gathas, including seventeen hymns, and the younger Avesta, containing commentaries to the older one. It also includes myths, stories, and details of ritual observances. Fire is the most important symbol of purity in Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrians are wrongly believed to worship fire, but they believe fire represents the symbol of Ahura Mazda.

Regarding the date of birth of Zoroaster, historians mostly agree upon the dates of 660-583 BCE.

Around 550 BCE, Cyrus II integrated the area of southern Azerbaijan into the Achaemenid Empire. During his reign, Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in the Empire, but he did not make any attempt to impose Zoroastrianism on the people of his subject territories.

During the rule of Darius I, Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Achaemenid Empire, including Azerbaijan. Darius I also allowed moderate religious freedom in the satrapies.

Alexander the Great defeated Darius III in 331 BCE. During this period, Zoroastrianism began to weaken. Many priests were killed and many sacred texts of Zoroastrianism were destroyed and lost forever.

Ancient states in the territory of Azerbaijan

Adurbadagan (Greek: Atropatena)

Around 328 BC, Atropates, the satrap of Media, formed the independent entity of Atropatena. The state was situated in Iranian Azerbaijan, and also included a minor part of the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan (i.e. Arran). As Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in Atropatena, its capital, Ganzak, became a religious center. Zoroastrian temples were fueled by the region's rich oil deposits. In accordance with many historian sources, the name "Azerbaijan" is attributed to the Persian word for fire "Azar", because of the popularity of Zoroastrianism in the region.

Arran (Latin: Albania)

In the fourth century BC, in the north of the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan and partially in southern Dagestan, the entity of Caucasian Albania was established. Under Achaemenid, Parthian, and especially Sassanid influence, Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in the country.

Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi investigating the political line of Yazdegerd II (438-457) in Albania noted that "During the reign of sinner Yezdeghird, devil instigated him to destroy Christian religion", so he ordered to reject Christianity in Albania and obey fire-worshippers-magicians (Zoroastrianism).

As a result of excavations on the territory of Caucasian Albania, many cultural finds, indicating the spreading of Zoroastrianism in the region, were found.