Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What is the main religion in Azerbaijan?

What is the main religion in Azerbaijan?

The main religion in Azerbaijan is Islam, with approximately 93-99% of the population identifying as Muslim. 

Shia Muslims comprise roughly 55–65% of the Muslim population, while Sunni Muslims make up the remaining 35–45%. This separation has historical roots because Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, which affected sections of Azerbaijan. Despite the significant Muslim population, Azerbaijan is acknowledged as a secular nation because of its constitution, which upholds the separation of church and state. The coexistence of different faiths has been made possible by this secularism, which has created a diversified religious landscape. 

In addition to Islam, there are small communities of Christians, primarily Russian Orthodox and Catholics, as well as a notable Jewish population consisting of mountain Jews and Ashkenazi Jews.  The religious past of the nation is extensive; Zoroastrianism predominated until the advent of Islam in the 7th century. The current perception of Muslim identity among many Azerbaijanis is less about rigorous religious practice and more about cultural affinity, which is consistent with the region's broader secularist trend. 

Overall, while Islam remains the dominant faith, Azerbaijan's religious identity is characterized by its secular constitution and a mosaic of cultural influences that shape its society.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
COOKIE SETTINGS