A Timeline of Azerbaijan

Paleolithic Era (circa 1,000,000 - 10,000 BC)

Evidence suggests that early humans inhabited the region during the Paleolithic era. Archaeological sites have revealed stone tools and artifacts from this period, indicating the presence of hunter-gatherer communities.

Neolithic Revolution (circa 10,000 - 6,000 BC)

With the advent of agriculture, the region saw the establishment of early settled communities. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, with its petroglyphs, stands as a testament to the region's Neolithic inhabitants, showcasing their daily life, rituals, and dances.

Bronze Age (circa 3,000 - 1,200 BC)

The Bronze Age in Azerbaijan was marked by advancements in metallurgy, pottery, and trade. The Khojaly-Gadabay culture, known for its distinctive burial mounds and artifacts, was prominent during this period.

Iron Age & Early Tribes (circa 1,200 - 500 BC)

The introduction of ironworking led to the development of more advanced tools and weapons. The region became home to various tribes and cultures, including the Mannaeans and Medes. Their influence is evident in the archaeological sites and artifacts from this period.

Achaemenid & Alexander's Conquests (circa 500 - 300 BC)

Azerbaijan came under the influence of the Achaemenid Empire, becoming part of its vast territories. However, the region's dynamics changed with Alexander the Great's conquests, leading to Hellenistic influences and the establishment of the Atropatene state, from which the name "Azerbaijan" is derived.

Kingdom of Caucasian Albania (circa 300 BC - 3rd century AD)

One of the ancient states in the South Caucasus, the Kingdom of Caucasian Albania, emerged in what is now Azerbaijan. This kingdom had its own distinct culture, language, and script, and it played a significant role in the region's history until its decline under Sassanid Persian influence.

Sassanid Dominance (3rd - 7th centuries AD)

Following the decline of the Kingdom of Caucasian Albania, the Sassanid Persians established their influence over Azerbaijan. This era saw the spread of Zoroastrianism, the state religion of the Sassanids, with fire temples dotting the landscape. Persian culture, language, and administrative systems became deeply integrated into the region. However, the frequent Byzantine-Sassanid wars often turned Azerbaijan into a battleground, influencing its political and cultural dynamics.

Christian Ascendancy (early 4th century AD)

The early 4th century marked a significant religious shift as parts of Azerbaijan, particularly within the Kingdom of Caucasian Albania, embraced Christianity. This adoption positioned the region as one of the early territories to officially recognize Christianity, leading to the establishment of churches and monastic centers.

Nomadic Influx (5th - 6th centuries AD)

Azerbaijan faced invasions and migrations from nomadic tribes, including the Huns and the Göktürks. These movements brought about demographic changes, with some tribes settling and influencing the region's socio-political fabric.

Transition to Islamic Rule (late 6th - 7th centuries AD)

The waning power of the Sassanid Empire set the stage for the Arab-Muslim conquests in the 7th century. This transition marked the decline of Zoroastrianism and the rise of Islam, setting the foundation for the subsequent Islamic influence in the medieval period.

Early Islamic Period (7th - 9th centuries AD)

Following the Arab conquests in the 7th century, Azerbaijan became part of the Umayyad Caliphate and later the Abbasid Caliphate. This period saw the widespread adoption of Islam, which would profoundly influence the region's cultural and social fabric.

Shirvanshah Dynasty (9th - 16th centuries AD)

One of the most prominent and enduring dynasties in Azerbaijani history, the Shirvanshahs ruled the region of Shirvan for nearly seven centuries. Their capital, Shamakhi, became a center of learning, culture, and trade. The architectural and artistic achievements from this era, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku, are testament to their legacy.

Seljuk Influence (11th - 12th centuries AD)

The Seljuk Turks exerted significant influence over Azerbaijan during their rule. The region witnessed a revival of Turkic culture, language, and administrative systems. The architectural style of the period, characterized by ornate carvings and majestic mausoleums, reflects the fusion of Turkic and Persian influences.

Mongol Invasion (13th - 14th centuries AD)

The Mongol invasions in the 13th century brought Azerbaijan under the rule of the Ilkhanate. While the initial invasions were destructive, the subsequent period saw relative stability, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Timurid & Qara Qoyunlu Rule (14th - 15th centuries AD)

Following the decline of the Mongol Empire, the region came under the influence of Timur and later the Qara Qoyunlu dynasty. These rulers contributed to the architectural and cultural landscape of Azerbaijan, with palaces, mosques, and caravanserais built during their reign.

Safavid Empire & Shi'a Islam (16th century AD)

The rise of the Safavid Empire in the 16th century was a turning point for Azerbaijan. The Safavids, originating from Ardabil in present-day Azerbaijan, established Shi'a Islam as the state religion, a significant shift that would shape the religious identity of the region for centuries to come.

Safavid Empire (1501-1736)

Azerbaijan became a significant part of the Safavid Empire. The city of Tabriz, in present-day Iran but historically a major city for all Azerbaijani-speaking territories, served as the empire's capital multiple times. This period saw the consolidation of Shia Islam in the region.

Russian Rule (19th century - 1917)

Following wars with Persia, the northern part of Azerbaijan was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. This period brought about modernization, urbanization, and increased cultural exchanges.

Democratic Republic & Soviet Era (1918-1920)

In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established, marking the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

Soviet Era (1920-1991)

After a brief period of independence, Azerbaijan became a Soviet Socialist Republic in 1920. While the Soviet regime brought about industrialization, education reforms, and cultural developments, it also imposed centralized control, suppressed local traditions, and faced economic challenges. Political purges, forced collectivization, and Russification policies impacted the Azerbaijani people. Additionally, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's roots can be traced back to territorial decisions made during this period.

Independence & Modern Era (1991-Present)

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared its independence in 1991. The early years of independence were marked by conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In recent decades, Azerbaijan has experienced economic growth, largely due to its oil and gas reserves, and has sought to strengthen its global and regional ties.