This brief but informative book is one of the first works by the 20th century Azerbaijani historians. The author describes the rich and turbulent history of Azerbaijan covering essentially all major periods of the Azerbaijani history: ancient times, various Azerbaijani Turkic dynasties in the Middle Ages, Independent Khanates and the events preceding the establishment of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic, the first Turkic and Muslim republic in history.

Dictionary of places, people and events in Azerbaijan history.

This textbook, "The History of Azerbaijan" was written in accordance with the existing academic-thematic programme in this area of study. The history of the country is described starting from ancient times to the beginning of the 21st century. The maps in this book were originally published in the work "The Historical Geography of Azerbaijan" (Baku, 1986). This textbook is intended for students, lecturers and non-specialists working in the educational system as well as for the general reader with an interest in Azerbaijan.

This is the first English language history to provide an overview of the history of Azerbaijan from the first evidence of inhabitation in pre-historic times to the oil-dominated political economy of today. Azerbaijan finds itself increasingly the focus of international attention, with the discovery of the Caspian region as one of the world's centres of production of oil, and the increased strategic and cultural significance of the Caucasus in the post-Soviet period. Moreover, it is the only Shi'ite-dominated country in the world apart from Iran - and, in contrast to its southern neighbour, an example of religious and social tolerance where the clergy have no place in politics. Charles van der Leeuw is a journalist, and author of Storm over the Caucasus, who has spent many years in Azerbaijan. Of particular significance is his sensitive approach to the question of the definition of the nation of Azerbaijan in earlier history. Drawing on a wide range of authorities, he defines the concept of Azerbaijan national identity through the process of history, building up a clear picture of the modern nation, its people and their aspirations.

From rebellion to revolution -- Social movements and revolution -- Revolutionary states -- Revolutionary polities.