Azerbaijan, where the Caucasus mountains meet the Caspian Sea, is a land of fire temples, carpet weaving, and a blend of Turkic and Persian influences. Azerbaijanis are proud of their mugham music, tea culture, and a tradition of storytelling. Islam is the main faith, but Zoroastrian fire-worship, Sufi poetry, and the Novruz spring festival all contribute to a spiritual life that is both ancient and modern.
