Azerbaijan in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Azeri Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Traditions, Baku, Mingacevir, Naxcivan City

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Azerbaijan, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

CHAPTER 1 - GEOGRAPHY - Introduction * Geographic Divisions * Topographic Features * Climate * Bodies of Water * Rivers and Lakes * The Caspian Sea * Population and Cities * Baku * Ganca (Ganja) * Sumqayit * Mingacevir * Naxcivan City * Environmental Concerns * Natural Hazards * Chapter 1 Assessment - CHAPTER 2 - HISTORY - Introduction * Prehistory * Early History * Islam, the Seljuk Dynasty, and the Mongols * 15th Century-Early 20th Century * The Russian Empire * The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic* Soviet Dominance * Ethnic Tensions * The Nagorno-Karabakh War * Political Chaos * The Aliyev Era * Azerbaijan Today * Chapter 2 Assessment - CHAPTER 3 - ECONOMY - Introduction * Agriculture * Industry and Manufacturing * Energy and Mineral Resources * Energy * Minerals * Trade and Investment * Transportation * Tourism * Banking and Finance * Standard of Living and Employment * Economic Outlook * Chapter 3 Assessment
CHAPTER 4 - SOCIETY - Introduction * Ethnic Groups and Language * Azeris * Kurds * Lezgins (Dagestani) * Russians and Armenians * Tats * Talysh * Religion * Islam * Christianity * Judaism * Cuisine * Traditional Dress * Gender Issues * Literature * Music * Folk Culture and Folklore * Sports and Recreation * Chapter 4 Assessment * CHAPTER 5 - SECURITY - Introduction * U.S.-Azerbaijani Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Armenia * Georgia * Iran * Russia * Turkey * Military * Police * Terrorist Groups * Issues Affecting Security * Nagorno-Karabakh * Democratic and Business Reforms * Outlook * Chapter 5 Assessment

CHAPTER 1 - PROFILE - Introduction * Geography * Area * Geographic Divisions and Topographic Features * Climate * Bodies of Water * Rivers and Lakes * Caspian Sea * Major Cities * Baku * Mingacevir * Naxcivan City * History * Pre-Independence * Ethnic Tensions * Azerbaijan Today * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic Groups and Languages * Azeris * Kurds * Lezgins (Dagestani) * Russians and Armenians * Tats * Talysh * CHAPTER 2 - RELIGION - Overview of Major Religions * Islam * Care and Handling of the Quran * Christianity * Judaism * Religion and Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religion and Gender * Religious Holidays and Events * Ramadan * Kurban-Bayram * Noruz * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * Mosques * Armenian Orthodox Christian Churches * Synagogues - CHAPTER 3 - TRADITIONS - Formulaic Codes of Politeness * Greetings * Hospitality and Gift Giving * Eating and Types of Food * Etiquette * Cuisine * Dress Code * Nonreligious Holidays and Celebrations * New Year's Day * Women's Day * Victory Day * Dos and Don'ts * CHAPTER 4 - URBAN LIFE - Introduction * Urbanization Issues * Housing and Infrastructure * Pollution * Poverty and Displaced Persons * Urban Economy and Jobs * Urban Healthcare * Education * Restaurants * Tea Houses * Marketplace * Money and ATMs * Urban Transportation and Traffic * Cars * Taxis * Buses and Metro * Trains and Airplanes * Street Crimes and Solicitations * CHAPTER 5 - RURAL LIFE - Introduction * Land Tenure * Economy and Jobs * Healthcare * Education * Transportation * Government * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * CHAPTER 6 - FAMILY LIFE - Introduction * Typical Household and Family Structure * Children * Married Life, Divorce, and Birth * Marriage * Divorce * Birth * Family Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Naming Conventions * Chapter 6 Assessment