This is the first history in English 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 centers 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 neighbor, an example of religious and social tolerance where the clergy have no place in politics. Drawing on a wide range of authorities, Charles van der Leeuw 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.