The Azerbaijani version of Islam

Azerbaijan is the only republic of the South Caucasus, the majority of its are Muslims. It is a religion deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Azeris, which is also a significant element of the identity of this nation. Although 70 years of Soviet rule in the territory of today’s Azerbaijan destroyed the role of religion among the local community (at least certainly in the public sphere), the collapse of the USSR brought a certain revival both national and religious, which was also related to the escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Islam to some extent consolidated society in the face of increasing tensions, becoming the base of the survival of tradition and rebuilding an independent state. At present, it should be stated that Islam plays a small role in the political life of Azerbaijan. The state is secular in its character as well as the local nationalist movement. However, the public debate constantly raises the question of whether Azerbaijani Islam is in the sphere of fundamentalist influence, which could lead to a religious revolution. The paper attempts to analyze the role and significance of Islam in today’s Azerbaijan, with particular emphasis on its importance to the Azerbaijani identity, financing Muslim communities, the activities of radical groups and the popularity of religion among youth.