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Ramadan, known as Ramazan in Azerbaijan, is an Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observance. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
The history of Ramadan in Azerbaijan dates back to the 7th century when Islam gradually started to become a dominant religion in the region. Azerbaijan has historically been a secular country with a majority Muslim population. The religious traditions have been influenced by various factors over time, including pre-Islamic customs and Soviet secularism.
During Ramadan, Azerbaijani Muslims engage in fasting (sawm) from dawn until sunset. This involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours. The fast is broken each evening with the iftar meal, which is often shared with family and friends.
Traditional Azerbaijani iftar includes various dishes such as plov (rice dish), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), kebabs, and specially prepared sweets like pakhlava (baklava) and shekerbura. People also consume dates and ayran (a yogurt-based drink) at iftar time following the example set by Prophet Muhammad.
The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı in Azerbaijani), a significant holiday celebrated with public prayers, feasting, giving zakat al-fitr (charity), and exchanging gifts. It's common for people to visit graves of loved ones during this time as well.
During Ramadan and especially Eid al-Fitr, businesses may operate on reduced hours to accommodate observances. The government often declares public holidays around Eid to allow citizens to celebrate properly.
In Azerbaijan's diverse society that values its secular heritage as well as religious freedom, not all ethnic or religious groups may observe Ramadan to the same extent. Nonetheless, it remains an important period for many Azeris who uphold Islamic traditions while blending them with local customs.