Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan

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Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan goes back to the first millennium BC or earlier. The religion was the predominant religion of Greater Iran before the conversion. The name Azerbaijan is Persian and means "protect(er) of Fire"^[1], which is said to have a direct link with Zoroastrianism.^{[citation needed]}

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

[edit] General information

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest surviving religions. It was founded by the Iranian prophet Zarathustra. The teachings of Zarathustra are preserved in his metrical Gathas, the oldest part of the sacred scripture known as the Avesta. Other Zoroastrians live in Iran and India. In India their community known as Parsis is estimated at 100,000 followers. The Zoroastrian community of Azerbaijan is estimated as about 2,000 - a number that continues to increase.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• Fire Temple of Baku
• Ramana (settlement)
• Khinalyg
• Gobustan
• Yanar Dag

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