Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan
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Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan dates from 2000 BC to the present day. Zoroastrianism was the main religion for thousands of years in Azerbaijan. Indeed the very name Azerbaijan means Land of The Eternal Fire and has a direct link with Zoroastrianism [1].
Today the religion and culture of Zoroastrianism is highly respected in Azerbaijan, where some traditions such as Novruz are still observed. Indeed, Novruz remains the main holiday in Azerbaijan. Zoroastrianism has left a deep historical mark in the history of Azerbaijan. Significant traces of the religion can be seen in Ramana (settlement), Khinalyg, Yanar Dag and more.
[edit] General Information
Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest surviving religions. It was founded by the prophet Zarathustra in what is today known as Iran. The teachings of Zarathustra are preserved in his metrical Gathas, which form part of the sacred scripture known as the Avesta. Parsism is a term commonly used today to denote many Zoroastrians. The majority of Zoroastrians live in India, home to a community estimated at 150,000 followers. The next largest Zoroastrian community is to be found in Iran. It is believed to number 60,000. It is estimated that the Zoroastrian community of Azerbaijan numbers between 2,000 and 5,000 -- a number that continues to increase as many Iranian Zoroastrians migrate to Azerbaijan in search of religious tolerance.
[edit] See also
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