THE FORMATION, INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION, AND CULTURAL LEGACY OF CHRISTIANITY IN AZERBAİJAN

Abstract

The Republic of Azerbaijan is a secular, historically multi-ethnic and multi-religious country that has hosted various religious traditions throughout history. Before the spread of Islam, religious forms such as idolatry, fire-worship, Zoroastrianism and Christianity existed in the region. Historical information about Azerbaijan is closely connected with studies on Caucasian Albania, which, according to sources, existed for about a thousand years and was a confederated state composed of 26 ethnic groups. Its territory was inhabited mainly by Turks, as well as Persians and Caucasian peoples, and developed a civilization shaped by diverse religious and cultural elements.The article examines the formation and development of Christianity in Azerbaijan, with particular attention to the Albanian Christian tradition. The study argues that Christianity in Albania began to spread after 54 CE and became the state religion in 313 under the Albanian king Urnayr. On the basis of historical sources, the article traces Albanian Christianity back to the apostolic period, emphasizing the role of figures such as Bartholomew, one of the apostles of Jesus, and Elisha, a disciple of Thaddaeus. The article also critically addresses Armenian claims regarding the priority of Armenian Christianity and the appropriation of Albanian cultural and religious heritage.The purpose of the study is to clarify the historical development of Christianity in Azerbaijan and to demonstrate, through historical evidence, the problematic nature of Armenian claims concerning Albanian Christian heritage. Another aim is to eliminate misconceptions about the Alban-Udi people and their diophysite belief, which continues to exist today. The research is based on descriptive and phenomenological principles and employs data analysis as its main method.