The state of Azerbaijan is secular. So it is written in the Constitution. Religion here does not interfere in the affairs of the country. It exists separately. Peacefully in the Republic
believers of different faiths coexist.
Republic Legislation
The free choice of religion in the country is guaranteed by the state. In 1992, the relevant law was passed. Anyone can direct those ceremonies that are accepted in his religious denomination. At the same time, the state ensures that believers do not conflict with each other, preventing the dissemination of materials that incite sectarian strife.
Religion of Azerbaijan - Islam
According to statistics, 99% of the population are Muslims. Most are Shiite Imamites. Although the openness of the republic promotes penetration into its territory and other currents. Historically, the territory became mostly Islamic, although representatives of other religions lived here before the spread of this religion. Spreading from the
Arabian Peninsula, Islam was imposed on the population by conquerors. This happened with Azerbaijan. Only idolaters and Jews living in this territory did not obey. They had to pay a considerable bribe to the conquerors for patronage. Now the Islamist denomination is the strongest in the republic, although it is represented by various movements.
Ancient religion of Azerbaijan - idolatry
This belief existed on the territory until the year 500. Its basis is the worship of many deities. People worshiped the souls of their dead. Also in honor were trees and rocks. Separate divine essences were considered natural phenomena. Subsequently, a stream of fire worshipers stood out from idolatry. They believed that the flame cleanses both physical and spiritual filth. Their individual representatives are found in the republic to this day. Over time, Zoroastrianism separated from fire worshipers, which is also based on the service of the flame. But the foundation in
this faith is different. All life is a continuous struggle between good and evil. Some scholars call Zoroastrianism an ancient faith.
Religion of Azerbaijan - Christianity
This religion was brought to the republic by Jews in the region of 100 years. They described to people miracles performed by Jesus. Under their influence, the first Christian communities arose. They exist today. On the territory of the republic there are many Orthodox churches, there are famous monasteries. Christianity is represented by various movements, including Catholicism and Protestantism.
Religion of Azerbaijan - Judaism
This is the religion of the mountain Jews who moved to the country from India. They live in the country for more than 15 centuries, but managed to maintain their traditions and way of thinking. They consider themselves descendants of the sons of Israel.
Catholicism and Zoroastrianism exist in the country, as well as other movements and religions. Therefore, the question of what religion is in Azerbaijan, there is no definite answer. Everyone is free to choose what to profess. Confessional conflicts are rare here. But most of the citizens profess Islam.