Why is Azerbaijan separated?

In January 1990, Nakhchivan declared independence from the USSR to protest against the suppression of the national movement in Azerbaijan and became the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic within the newly independent Republic of Azerbaijan a year later.

What was Azerbaijan previously known as?

Historically, the territory of the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan was never called Azerbaijan, which was historically the name of North West Iran, which still goes by the name.

When did Azerbaijan become part of Iran?

The territory of what is now called the Republic of Azerbaijan was only separated from Iran in the first half of the 19th century, through the Russo-Persian Wars. In the area to the North of the river Aras, the territory of the contemporary Republic of Azerbaijan was Iranian territory until it was occupied by Russia.

Why is Azerbaijan rejecting Iranian influence?

“Azerbaijan naturally rejects the Iranian Islamic influence because it is perceived as a threat to the very nation state,” says Leila Alieva, the Director of the independent Centre for National and International Studies in Baku. “On the other hand, Azerbaijan has always enjoyed a very good relationship with the Jewish community.”

Why does Israel have diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan?

Israel and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since April 1992, six months after the republic declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Israel and the secular government of Azerbaijan share the same goal: to check the spread of political Islam in general and Iran in particular.

Where can I find more information about Azerbaijan?

More information about Azerbaijan is available on the Azerbaijan Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. The United States established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan in 1992, following its independence from the Soviet Union.