Outline of Azerbaijani History: A Land at the Crossroads of Cultures and Empires from the Beginnings of Statehood to the First Republic 3600-TU-ZHA-OG

The lecture will cover the most significant historical events that shaped the history of Azerbaijan, starting from the earliest cave sites and the first human settlements. Special attention will be given to the art of petroglyphs, the formation of early tribal confederations, and the emergence of ancient states on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan.
Key events such as the Mongol invasions and the rise of the Safavid dynasty, which played a significant role in the history of Azerbaijan and the region, will also be discussed.The lecture will discuss the spread of Islam and its influence on the formation of Muslim identity, the development of religious-philosophical movements, and cultural advancements during the medieval period, particularly under the Turkic dynasties.
Key events such as the Mongol invasions and the rise of the Safavid dynasty, which played a crucial role in the history of Azerbaijan and the region, will also be addressed. The latter part of the lecture will focus on the history of the khanates (principalities) that existed on the territory of Azerbaijan and their conquest by the Russian Empire in the early 19th century. We will explore the socio-political transformations under Russian rule and the process of seeking a new, secular identity.
A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural development and political awakening of the early 20th century, which led to the establishment of the first Republic of Azerbaijan.
The lecture will be flexibly adapted to the knowledge level and interests of the audience to ensure the best understanding of the discussed topics.

Type of course

elective courses
general courses

Mode

Classroom
Self-reading

Prerequisites (description)

Terminological Issues and Thematic Scope: Definitions and Terms for the Region: Azerbaijan as a historical province. Spatial Dimensions of the Region: The evolution of the term "Azerbaijan": From a toponym to a politonym and ethnonym. Religions and Religious-Philosophical Currents Before Islamization of the Region: Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Manichaeism, Mazdakism, and the Khurramite movement. The Mongol Period in Azerbaijan: The impact of Mongol invasions on the region. Political and cultural changes. Formation of Turkmen (Turkoman) Tribal Confederations and Political Turkic Elites in the Middle East (14th–15th centuries): Tribal confederations of Karakoyunlu and Akkoyunlu (Qaraqoyunlular, Ağqoyunlular). The Hurufi religious-philosophical movement. The Emergence and Flourishing of the Safavid Empire (16th–17th centuries): Introduction of Twelver Shi'ism as the state religion. Political and religious consequences for the region. Assimilation of Turkic Cults and Rituals with Elements of Shi'ism and Sufism: Religious syncretism in Azerbaijan. The Flourishing of Literature in the Turkic Language: The origins of the written proto-Azerbaijani language. The works of Muhammad Fuzuli as a pivotal moment in the development of the region's literature. Feudal Fragmentation and the Emergence of Azerbaijani Khanates (18th century): The role of the khanates in Azerbaijan's history. Iranian-Russian Wars and the Conquest of Azerbaijan: The division of Azerbaijan between Russia and Iran. Consequences for the Azerbaijani people within the borders of the two states. Azerbaijan Under the Rule of the Russian Empire (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): Formation of Azerbaijani elites. Socio-economic changes. The Birth of Azerbaijani Press: Issues of language and national identity. The Emergence and Development of the Azerbaijani National Movement: The formation of organizations and political parties. The formation of the modern Azerbaijani nation (Azerbaijani Turks). Proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918–1920): The significance of the first republic in Azerbaijan's modern history. The Fall of the First Republic of Azerbaijan: Bolshevik conquest, repression, and terror against national elites. Activities of elites in exile. Emigrant publications. Azerbaijani emigration as part of the Promethean movement. The History of Polish-Azerbaijani Contacts: Mutual relations and their impact on the development of both nations.

Course coordinators

Shahla Kazimova

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE

The student possesses basic knowledge of the history of Azerbaijan and understands its connection to the development of contemporary Azerbaijani culture, language, and literature (K_W06).
The student understands the relationship between the history of Azerbaijan and the history of the region, as well as its neighboring countries and civilizations (K_W03, K_W11).
The student has an in-depth understanding of political and cultural relations between Poland and Azerbaijan (K_W06).
SKILLS

The student demonstrates a degree of independence in conducting their own research: they independently engage in academic discussions on topics related to Azerbaijani culture and art and are capable of correctly formulating ideas using the appropriate conceptual framework within the field of cultural studies (K_U02, K_U03).
The student has the ability to perceive and interpret contemporary Azerbaijani literature and various fields of art, as well as to understand the context of their creation and functioning (K_U07, K_U14).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES

The student recognizes the practical applications of the knowledge gained from the lecture and participates in discussions on the history of Azerbaijan (K1_K02).
The lecture fosters reflection in the student on multiculturalism and promotes political, religious, and social tolerance (K_K03, K_K05).
The lecture prepares the student to participate in academic and political conferences on Eastern issues, enabling them to choose a future field of professional activity related to this region—be it in national or local government administration, international institutions, diplomacy, mass media, or research and expert centers collaborating with Azerbaijan (K_K04, K_K06).

Assessment criteria

1. Form of the course:
Lecture with a multimedia presentation. The content is illustrated with visual, historical, literary, and cultural examples to facilitate the students' understanding of the material.
Attendance is required. Students are allowed a maximum of two unexcused absences. Additional absences must be justified with proper documentation; otherwise, the student may be required to complete additional tasks or assignments to compensate for missed material.
Assessment Method:
Oral examination covering the material discussed during the lectures.

Grading Rules:
The exam consists of 3 questions, with a maximum of 2 points available for each:

Full answer: 2 points (a comprehensive response, including details and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic).
Partial answer: 1 point (a partial response that identifies key information and the most important aspects of the topic).
No answer or incorrect answer: 0 points.
Scoring and Final Grades:

3 points: sufficient (dst)
4 points: good (db)
5 points: good plus (db+)
6 points: very good (bdb)
Passing Requirements:
To pass the exam, the student must obtain at least 3 points, which corresponds to the minimum level of understanding and knowledge of the material.

Bibliography

Altstadt Audrey L., The Azerbaijani Turks: Power and Identity under Russian Rule, Stanford, California 1992.
Baranowski B., Baranowski K, Historia Azerbejdżanu, ed. Ossolineum, Wrocław 1987.
Świętochowski T., Azerbejdżan i Rosja. Kolonializm, islam i narodowość w podzielonym kraju, Warszawa 1998.
Świętochowski T., Azerbejdżan, Warszawa 2006.
Kazimova S, W kwestii nazwy Azerbejdżańskiej Republiki Demokratycznej. Od tożsamości pogranicza do idei niepodległego Azerbejdżanu,w: J. Malicki (red.), Państwa. Narody. Pogranicza. Idee s. 201 – 218.
Chodubski Andrzej, Polacy w Azerbejdżanie, Toruń 2004.
Heyat Farideh., Azeri women in transition. Women in Soviet and post-Soviet Azerbaijan, London/New York 2002.
Kazimova S.,. Progressive Thoughts in "Molla Nasreddin" Magazine (Initial Period - 1906-1907). in Oriental studies and arts : contributions dedicated to Professor Tadeusz Majda on His 85th birthday, edited by Agata Bareja-Starzyńska, Kamila Barbara Stanek, Marzena Godzińska, Anna Akbike Sulimowicz, Magdalena Szpindler and Joanna Bojarska - Cieślik, 139-149. Warsaw:Wyadwnictwo Akademickie Dialog, 2015.
Kazimova S. Azerbejdżański prometeizm : działalność polityczna i publicystyczna Mehemmeda Emina Resulzadego, Warszawa 2021.
Azerbaijani History: from ancient times to the present day. 2010,
http://www.visions.az/en/news/179/fc94314f/;Albumy, muzyka, filmy.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

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Description of 3600-TU-ZHA-OG in USOSweb