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[
"Infrastructure",
"Energy"
]
| Due to its geographical location and natural resources, Albania has a wide variety of [[energy resource]] ranging from gas, oil and coal, to [[Wind energy|wind]], [[Solar energy|solar]] and [[hydropower|water]] as well as other [[renewable energy|renewable]] sources. Currently, the electricity generation sector of Albania is dependent on [[hydroelectricity]] simultaneously ranking fifth in the world in percentage terms. The [[Drin (river)|Drin]], located in the north, hosts four [[hydroelectric power station]], including [[Fierza Hydroelectric Power Station|Fierza]], [[Koman Hydroelectric Power Station|Koman]], [[Skavica Hydro Power Plant|Skavica]] and [[Vau i Dejës Hydroelectric Power Station|Vau i Dejës]]. Two other power stations, such as the [[Banjë Hydro Power Plant|Banjë]] and [[Moglicë Hydro Power Plant|Moglicë]], are located along the [[Devoll (river)|Devoll]] in the south. Albania has considerably large deposits of oil. It has the 10th largest oil reserves in Europe and the 58th in the world. The country's main petroleum deposits are located around the [[Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast]] and [[Myzeqe]] Plain within the [[Western Lowlands]], where the country's largest reserve is located. Although, [[Patos-Marinza Oil Field|Patos-Marinza]], also located within the area, is the largest onshore [[oil field]] in Europe. After the completion of the [[Trans Adriatic Pipeline]] (TAP), Albania will be significantly connected to the planned [[Southern Gas Corridor]], that will transport [[natural gas]] from the [[Caspian Sea]] through Albania to Europe. Withal the TAP runs for across Albania's territory before entering the [[Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast]] approximately northwest of [[Fier]]. In 2009, the company [[Enel]] announced plans to build an 800 MW [[Coal Fired Power Plant|coal-fired power plant]] in the country, to diversify electricity sources. The [[water resources]] of Albania are particularly abundant in all the regions of the country and comprise [[Lakes of Albania|lakes]], [[Rivers of Albania|rivers]], springs and groundwater aquifers. The country's available average quantity of [[fresh water]] is estimated at per inhabitant per year, which is one of the highest rates in Europe. According to the data presented by the [[Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation|Joint Monitoring Program for Water Supply and Sanitation]] (JMP) in 2015, about 93% of the country's total population had access to [[improved sanitation]]. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Infrastructure",
"Technology"
]
| After the [[Fall of communism in Albania|fall of communism]] in 1991, human resources in sciences and technology in Albania have drastically decreased. As of various reports, during 1991 to 2005 approximately 50% of the professors and scientists of the universities and science institutions in the country have left Albania. In 2009, the [[Government of Albania|government]] approved the National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation in Albania covering the period 2009 to 2015. It aims to triple public spending on [[research and development]] to 0.6% of GDP and augment the share of [[Gross domestic expenditure on R&D|GDE]] from foreign sources, including the framework programmes for research of the [[European Union]], to the point where it covers 40% of research spending, among others. Telecommunication represents one of the fastest growing and dynamic sectors in Albania. [[Vodafone Albania]], [[Telekom Albania]] and [[Albtelecom]] are the three large providers of [[Mobile network operator|mobile]] and [[internet]] in Albania. As of the [[Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (Albania)|Electronic and Postal Communications Authority]] (AKEP) in 2018, the country had approximately 2.7 million active mobile users with almost 1.8 million active broadband subscribers. Vodafone Albania alone served more than 931,000 mobile users, Telekom Albania had about 605,000 users and Albtelecom had more than 272,000 users. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography"
]
| As defined by the [[Institute of Statistics (Albania)|Institute of Statistics]] (INSTAT), the [[Demographics of Albania|population]] of Albania was estimated in 2020 at 2,845,955. The country's [[total fertility rate]] of 1.51 children born per woman is one of the [[List of sovereign states and dependent territories by fertility rate|lowest in the world]]. Its [[List of sovereign states and dependent territories by population density|population density]] stands at 259 inhabitants per square kilometre. The overall [[List of countries by life expectancy|life expectancy]] at birth is 78.5 years; 75.8 years for males and 81.4 years for females. The country is the [[Balkans#Demographics|8th most populous country]] in the [[Balkans]] and ranks as the [[List of countries and dependencies by population|137th most populous country]] in the world. Nonetheless, the country's population rose steadily from 2,5 million in 1979 until 1989, when it peaked at 3.1 million. It is forecasted that the population will continue shrinking for the next decade at least, depending on the actual [[birth rate]] and the level of [[Net migration rate|net migration]]. The explanation for the recent population decrease is the [[fall of communism in Albania]] in the late twentieth century. That period was marked by economic [[mass migration|mass emigration]] from Albania to [[Greece]], Italy and the United States. Four decades of total [[Communism in Albania|isolation]] from the world, combined with its disastrous economic, social and political situation, had caused this exodus. The [[Human migration|external migration]] was prohibited outright during the communist era, while [[Human migration|internal migration]] was quite limited, hence this was a new phenomenon. At least, 900,000 people left Albania during this period, with about 600,000 of them settling in Greece. The migration affected the country's internal population distribution. It decreased particularly in the north and south, while it increased in the center within the cities of [[Tirana]] and [[Durrës]]. About 53.4% of the country's [[Demographics of Albania|population]] lives in cities. The three largest counties by population account for half of the total population. Almost 30% of the total population is found in [[Tirana County]] followed by [[Fier County]] with 11% and [[Durrës County]] with 10%. Over 1 million people are concentrated in [[Tirana]] and [[Durrës]], making it the largest urban area in Albania. [[Tirana]] is one of largest cities in the [[Balkan Peninsula]] and ranks seventh with a population about 800,000. The second largest city in the country by population is [[Durrës]], with a population of 201,110, followed by [[Vlorë]] with a population of 141,513. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography",
"Minorities"
]
| Issues of ethnicity are a delicate topic and subject to debate. Contrary to official statistics that show an over 97 per cent Albanian majority in the country, minority groups (such as [[Greeks in Albania|Greeks]], [[Macedonians in Albania|Macedonians]], [[Montenegrins of Albania|Montenegrins]], [[Roma in Albania|Roma]] and [[Aromanians in Albania|Aromanians]]) have frequently disputed the official numbers, asserting a higher percentage of the country's population. According to the disputed 2011 census, ethnic affiliation was as follows: [[Albanians]] 2,312,356 (82.6% of the total), [[Greeks in Albania|Greeks]] 24,243 (0.9%), [[Macedonians of Albania|Macedonians]] 5,512 (0.2%), [[Montenegrins of Albania|Montenegrins]] 366 (0.01%), [[Aromanians]] 8,266 (0.30%), [[Romani people|Romani]] 8,301 (0.3%), [[Balkan Egyptians]] 3,368 (0.1%), other ethnicities 2,644 (0.1%), no declared ethnicity 390,938 (14.0%), and not relevant 44,144 (1.6%). On the quality of the specific data the Advisory Committee on the [[Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities]] stated that "the results of the census should be viewed with the utmost caution and calls on the authorities not to rely exclusively on the data on nationality collected during the census in determining its policy on the protection of national minorities.". Albania recognises nine national or cultural minorities: [[Aromanians|Aromanian]], [[Greeks|Greek]], [[Macedonians (ethnic group)|Macedonian]], [[Montenegrins|Montenegrin]], [[Serbs|Serb]], [[Romani people|Roma]], [[Egyptians (Balkans)|Egyptian]], Bosnian and [[Bulgarians|Bulgarian]] peoples. Other Albanian minorities are the [[Gorani people]] and Jews. Regarding the Greeks, "it is difficult to know how many Greeks there are in Albania". The estimates vary between 60,000 and 300,000 ethnic Greeks in Albania. According to Ian Jeffries, most of Western sources put the number at around 200,000. The 300,000 mark is supported by Greek government as well.<ref name="RFE/RL Research Report: Weekly Analyses from the RFE/RL Research Institute"></ref> The [[CIA World Factbook]] estimates the Greek minority to constitute 0.9% of the total population. The US State Department estimates that Greeks make up 1.17%, and other minorities 0.23%, of the population. The latter questions the validity of the census data about the Greek minority, due to the fact that measurements have been affected by boycott. Macedonians and some Greek minority groups have sharply criticised Article 20 of the Census law, according to which a $1,000 fine will be imposed on anyone who will declare an ethnicity other than what is stated on his or her birth certificate. This is claimed to be an attempt to intimidate minorities into declaring Albanian ethnicity; according to them the Albanian government has stated that it will jail anyone who does not participate in the census or refuse to declare his or her ethnicity. Genc Pollo, the minister in charge has declared that: "Albanian citizens will be able to freely express their ethnic and religious affiliation and mother tongue. However, they are not forced to answer these sensitive questions". The amendments criticized do not include jailing or forced declaration of ethnicity or religion; only a fine is envisioned which can be overthrown by court. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography",
"Minorities"
]
| Greek representatives form part of the Albanian parliament and the government has invited Albanian Greeks to register, as the only way to improve their status. On the other hand, nationalists, various organisations and political parties in Albania have expressed their concern that the census might artificially increase the numbers of the Greek minority, which might be then exploited by Greece to threaten Albania's territorial integrity. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography",
"Language"
]
| The [[official language]] of the country is [[Albanian language|Albanian]] which is spoken by the vast majority of the country's population. Its standard spoken and written form is revised and merged from the two main dialects, [[Gheg]] and [[Tosk Albanian|Tosk]], though it is notably based more on the Tosk dialect. The [[Shkumbin]] river is the rough dividing line between the two dialects. Also a [[Greeks in Albania#Language|dialect of Greek]] that preserves features now lost in standard [[modern Greek]] is spoken in areas inhabited by the [[Greek minority in Albania|Greek minority]]. Other languages spoken by ethnic minorities in Albania include [[Aromanian language|Aromanian]], [[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]], [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]], [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]], [[Gora dialect|Gorani]], and [[Romani language|Roma]]. Macedonian is official in the Pustec Municipality in East Albania. According to the 2011 population census, 2,765,610 or 98.767% of the population declared [[Albanian language|Albanian]] as their mother tongue (''mother tongue is defined as the first or main language spoken at home during childhood''). In recent years, the shrinking number of pupils in schools dedicated to the Greek minority has caused problems for teachers. The Greek language is spoken by an important percentage in the southern part of the country, due to cultural and economic links with adjacent Greece. In a 2017 study carried out by Instat, the Albanian government statistical agency, 39.9% of the 25–64 years old is able to use at least one foreign language, with English first at 40.0%, followed by Italian with 27.8% and Greek with 22.9%. Among young people aged 25 or less, English, German and Turkish have seen rising interest after 2000. Italian and French have had a stable interest, while Greek has lost much of its previous interest. The trends are linked with cultural and economic factors. [[Greek language|Greek]] is the second most-spoken language in the country, with 0.5 to 3% of the population speaking it as first language, and with two-thirds of mainly Albanian families having at least one member that speaks Greek, most having learned it in the post communist era (1992–present) due to private schools or migration to Greece. Outside of the small designated "minority area" in the south the teaching of Greek was banned during the communist era. As of 2003 Greek was offered at over 100 private tutoring centers all over Albania and at a private school in Tirana, the first of its kind outside Greece. Young people have shown a growing interest in German language in recent years. Some of them go to Germany for studying or various experiences. Albania and Germany have agreements for cooperating in helping young people of the two countries know both cultures better. Due to a sharp rise in economic relations with Turkey, interest in learning Turkish, in particular among young people, has been growing on a yearly basis. Young people, attracted by economic importance of Turkish investments and common values between the two nations, gain from cultural and academic collaboration of universities. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography",
"Religion"
]
| Albania is a [[secular state|secular]] and religiously diverse country with no [[official religion]] and thus, [[freedom of religion]], [[freedom of belief|belief]] and [[Freedom of conscience|conscience]] are guaranteed under the country's [[Constitution of Albania|constitution]]. Culturally, [[religious tolerance]] is one of the most considerable values of the tradition of the [[Albanians]]. It is widely accepted that they generally value a peaceful coexistence among the believers of different religious communities in the country. [[Pope Francis]] hailed Albania during his [[official visit]] in [[Tirana]] as model of religious harmony, due to the long tradition of religious coexistence and tolerance. During [[Classical antiquity|classical time]], there are thought to have been about seventy Christian families in [[Durrës]], as early as the time of the [[Apostle]]. The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës|Archbishopric of Durrës]] was purportedly founded by [[Paul the Apostle]], while preaching in [[Illyria]] and [[Ancient epirus|Epirus]]. Meanwhile, in [[Middle Ages|medieval times]], the [[Albanian people]] first appeared within historical records from the [[Byzantine]]. At this point, they were mostly [[Christianised]]. [[Islam]] arrived for the first time in the late 9th century to the region, when [[Arabs]] raided parts of the eastern banks of the [[Adriatic Sea]]. It later emerged as the majority religion, during centuries of [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman rule]], though a significant Christian minority remained. During [[Modern history|modern times]], the Albanian republican, monarchic and later communist regimes followed a systematic policy of separating religion from official functions and cultural life. The country has never had an [[official religion]] either as a republic or as a kingdom. In the 20th century, the clergy of all faiths was weakened under the monarchy and ultimately eradicated during the 1950s and 1960s, under the state policy of obliterating all organised religion from the territories of Albania. The [[Communism in Albania|communist regime]] persecuted and suppressed religious observance and institutions and entirely [[anti-religious|banned religion]]. The country was then officially declared to be the world's first [[atheist state]]. Religious freedom has returned, however, since the [[Fall of communism in Albania|end of communism]]. Islam survived communist era persecution and reemerged in the modern era as a practised religion in Albania. Some smaller Christian sects in Albania include [[Evangelicalism|Evangelicals]] and several [[Protestant]] communities including [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. The first recorded Protestant of Albania was Said Toptani, who travelled around Europe and returned to [[Tirana]] in 1853, where he preached [[Protestantism]]. Due to that, he was arrested and imprisoned by the Ottoman authorities in 1864. The first [[evangelical Protestants]] appeared in the 19th century and the Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1892. Nowadays, it has 160 member congregations from different Protestant denominations. Following mass emigration to Israel after the fall of communism, there are only 200 Albanian [[Judaism in Albania|Jews]] left in the country. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demography",
"Religion"
]
| As of the [[2011 Census of Albania|2011 census]], there were 1,587,608 (56.7%) [[Islam|Sunni Muslims]], 280,921 (10.03%) [[Roman Catholicism|Roman Catholics]], 188,992 (6.75%) [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]], 58,628 (2.09%) [[Bektashi Order|Bektashi Muslims]], 3,797 (0.14%) [[Evangelicalism|Evangelicals]], 1,919 (0.07%) other [[Christians]], 602 (0.02%) of other religions and 153,630 (5.49%) believers without denomination. 69,995 people (2.5%) were [[Atheism|irreligious]] while 386,024 (13.79%) did not declare their religion. The country is ranked among the least religious countries in the world. Religion plays an important role in the lives of only 39% of its population. In another report, 56% considered themselves religious, 30% considered themselves non-religious, while 9% defined themselves as convinced atheists. 80% believed in God and 40% believed in life after death. However, 40% believed in hell, while 42% believed in heaven. The preliminary results of the 2011 census seemed to give widely different results, with 70% of respondents refusing to declare belief in any of the listed faiths. The Albanian Orthodox Church officially refused to recognize the results, claiming that 24% of the total population adhered to its faith. Some Muslim Community officials expressed unhappiness with the data claiming that many Muslims were not counted and that the number of adherents numbered some 70% of the Albanian population. The Albanian Catholic Bishops Conference also cast doubts on the census, complaining that many of its believers were not contacted. The [[Islam in Albania|Muslim Albanians]] are spread throughout the country. [[Orthodoxy in Albania|Orthodox]] and [[Bektashi]] are mostly found in the south, whereas [[Catholicism in Albania|Catholic]] mainly live in the north. In 2008, there were 694 [[Catholic]] churches and 425 [[Eastern Orthodox Church|orthodox]] churches, 568 mosques and 70 [[Bektashi Order|bektashi]] [[Khanqah|tekke]] in the country. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
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"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Symbols"
]
| Albania shares many symbols associated with its history, culture and belief. These include the colours red and black, animals such as the [[golden eagle]] living across the country, costumes such as the [[fustanella]], [[Qeleshe|plis]] and [[opinga]] which are worn to special events and celebrations, plants such as the [[olive]] and [[Papaver rhoeas|red poppy]] growing as well across the country. The [[flag of Albania]] is a red flag with a black [[double-headed eagle]] positioned in the centre. The red colour used in the flag symbolises the bravery, strength and valour of the [[Albanian people]], while the black colour appears as a symbol of freedom and heroism. The eagle has been used by Albanians since the [[Middle Ages]] including the establishment of the [[Principality of Arbër]] and by numerous noble ruling families such as the [[Kastrioti family|Kastrioti]], [[Muzaka family|Muzaka]], [[Thopia family|Thopia]] and [[Dukagjini family|Dukagjini]]. [[Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu]], who fought and began a rebellion against the [[Ottoman Empire]] which halted Ottoman advance into Europe for nearly 25 years, placed the double-headed eagle on his flag and seal. The country's national motto, ''[[Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin Shqipëtar]]'' ("You Albania, you give me honour, you give me the name Albanian"), finds its origins in the [[Albanian National Awakening]]. The first to express this motto was [[Naim Frashëri]] in his poem ''Ti Shqipëri më jep nder''. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
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"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Arts"
]
| The [[Albanian art|artistic history]] of Albania has been particularly influenced by a multitude of ancient and medieval [[Civilisation|people]], traditions and religions. It covers a broad spectrum with mediums and disciplines that include painting, [[pottery]], sculpture, [[ceramic]] and architecture all of them exemplifying a great variety in style and shape, in different regions and period. The rise of the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] and [[Ottoman Empire]] in the [[Middle Ages]] was accompanied by a corresponding growth in [[Christian art|Christian]] and [[Islamic art]] in the lands of Albania which are apparent in examples of architecture and mosaics throughout the country. Centuries later, the [[Albanian Renaissance]] proved crucial to the emancipation of the modern Albanian culture and saw unprecedented developments in all fields of literature and art whereas artists sought to return to the ideals of [[Impressionism]] and [[Romanticism (art)|Romanticism]]. However, [[Onufri]], [[Kolë Idromeno]], [[David Selenica]], [[Kostandin Shpataraku]] and the [[Zografi Brothers]] are the most eminent representatives of Albanian art. The [[architecture of Albania]] reflects the legacy of various civilisations tracing back to the [[classical antiquity]]. Major cities in Albania have evolved from within the castle to include dwellings, religious and commercial structures, with constant redesigning of town squares and evolution of building techniques. Nowadays, the cities and towns reflect a whole spectrum of various [[architectural style]]. In the 20th century, many historical as well as [[Sacred architecture|sacred]] buildings bearing the ancient influence were demolished during the [[Communism in Albania|communist era]]. [[Ancient architecture]] is found throughout Albania and most visible in [[Byllis]], [[Amantia]], [[Phoenice]], [[Apollonia (Illyria)|Apollonia]], [[Butrint]], [[Antigonia (Chaonia)|Antigonia]], [[Rozafa Castle|Shkodër]] and [[Durrës Amphitheatre|Durrës]]. Considering the long period of rule of the [[Byzantine Empire]], they introduced castles, citadels, churches and monasteries with spectacular wealth of visible [[mural]] and [[fresco]]. Perhaps the best known examples can be found in the southern Albanian cities and surroundings of [[Korçë]], [[Berat]], [[Voskopojë]] and [[Gjirokastër]]. Involving the introduction of [[Ottoman architecture]] there was a development of mosques and other Islamic buildings, particularly seen in Berat and Gjirokastër. A productive period of [[Historicism (art)|Historicism]], [[Art Nouveau]] and [[Neoclassicism]] merged into the 19th century, best exemplified in [[Korçë]]. The 20th century brought new architectural styles such as the modern [[Italianate architecture|Italian style]], which is present in [[Tirana]] such as the [[Skanderbeg Square]] and Ministries. It is also present in Shkodër, [[Vlorë]], [[Sarandë]] and [[Durrës]]. Moreover, other towns received their present-day Albania-unique appearance through various cultural or economic influences. [[Socialist classicism]] arrived during the [[Peoples Republic of Albania|communist era]] in Albania after the [[Second World War]]. At this period many socialist-styled complexes, wide roads and factories were constructed, while town squares were redesigned and numerous of historic and important buildings demolished. Notable examples of that style include the [[Mother Teresa Square (Tirana)|Mother Teresa Square]], [[Pyramid of Tirana]], [[Palace of Congresses]] and so on. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
"Balkan countries",
"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
]
| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Arts"
]
| Three Albanian archaeological sites are included in the list of [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. These include the ancient remains of Butrint, the medieval [[Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër]], and [[Ohrid Lake|Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region]] site shared with [[North Macedonia]] since 2019. Furthermore, the royal [[Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme|Illyrian tombs]], the remains of [[Apollonia (Illyria)|Apollonia]], the ancient [[Durrës Amphitheatre|Amphitheatre]] of Durrës and the [[Fortress of Bashtovë]] has been included on the tentative list of Albania. | 738 | Albania | [
"Albania",
"Albanian-speaking countries and territories",
"Southern European countries",
"Southeastern European countries",
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"Member states of NATO",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
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"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the Union for the Mediterranean",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"Republics",
"States and territories established in 1912",
"Countries in Europe"
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| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Cuisine"
]
| Throughout the centuries, [[Albanian cuisine]] has been widely influenced by [[Albanian culture]], [[Geography of Albania|geography]] and [[History of Albania|history]], and as such, different parts of the country enjoy specific [[regional cuisine]]. Cooking traditions especially vary between the north and the south, owing to differing [[topography]] and [[climate]] that essentially contribute to the excellent growth conditions for a wide array of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Albanians produce and use many varieties of fruits such as [[Lemon (fruit)|lemon]], oranges, [[Figs (fruit)|fig]], and most notably, [[Olive (fruit)|olive]], which are perhaps the most important element of Albanian cooking. Spices and other herbs such as [[Basil (herb)|basil]], [[lavender]], [[Spearmint|mint]], [[oregano]], [[rosemary]], and [[thyme]] are widely used, as are vegetables such as garlic, onions, [[Bell pepper|pepper]], potatoes, tomatoes, as well as [[legume]] of all types. With a coastline along the [[Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast|Adriatic]] and [[Albanian Ionian Sea Coast|Ionian]] in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], fish, [[crustacean]], and seafood are a popular and an integral part of the Albanian diet. Otherwise, [[Lamb (food)|lamb]] is the traditional meat for different holidays and [[religious festival]] for both [[Christianity in Albania|Christians]] and [[Islam in Albania|Muslim]], although poultry, beef, and pork are also in plentiful supply. [[Tavë kosi]] ("[[soured milk]] [[casserole]]") is the [[national dish]] of Albania, consisting of lamb and rice baked under a thick, tart veil of [[yogurt]]. Fërgesë is another national dish, made up of peppers, tomatoes, and [[cottage cheese]]. Pite is also popular, a baked pastry with a filling of a mixture of [[spinach]] and gjizë (curd) or mish ([[ground meat]]). Petulla, a traditional fried dough, is also a popular speciality, and is served with [[powdered sugar]] or [[feta cheese]] and different sorts of [[Fruit preserves|fruit jam]]. [[Flia]] consists of multiple [[crêpe]]-like layers brushed with cream and served with sour cream. [[Krofne]], similar to [[Berliner (doughnut)|Berliner doughnuts]], are filled with jam, or chocolate and often eaten during cold winter months. Coffee is an integral part of the Albanian lifestyle. The country has more coffee houses per capita than any other country in the world. Tea is also enjoyed both at home or outside at cafés, bars, or restaurants. Çaj Mali ([[Sideritis]] tea) is enormously beloved, and a part of the daily routine for most Albanians. It is cultivated across Southern Albania and noted for its medicinal properties. [[Black tea]] with a slice of lemon and sugar, milk, or honey is also popular. [[Albanian wine]] is also common throughout the country, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Albania has a long and ancient history of wine production, and belongs to the [[Old World wine|Old World of wine producing countries]]. Its wine is characterized by its sweet taste and traditionally indigenous varieties. | 738 | Albania | [
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| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Media"
]
| The [[freedom of press]] and [[Freedom of speech|speech]], and the right to free expression is guaranteed in the [[constitution of Albania]]. Albania was ranked 84th on the [[Press Freedom Index]] of 2020 compiled by the [[Reporters Without Borders]], with its score steadily declining since 2003. Nevertheless, in the 2020 report of [[Freedom in the World]], the [[Freedom House]] classified the freedoms of press and speech in Albania as partly free from political interference and manipulation. [[Radio Televizioni Shqiptar]] (RTSH) is the [[national broadcaster]] corporation of Albania operating numerous television and radio stations in the country. The three major private broadcaster corporations are [[Top Channel]], [[TV Klan|Televizioni Klan]] and [[Vizion Plus]] whose content are distributed throughout Albania and beyond its territory in [[Kosovo]] and other [[Albanian language|Albanian-speaking]] territories. Albanian cinema has its roots in the 20th century and developed after the country's [[Albanian Declaration of Independence|declaration of independence]]. The first [[movie theater]] exclusively devoted to showing [[motion pictures]] was built in 1912 in [[Shkodër]] by an Austrian distribution company with strong efforts by Albanian painter [[Kolë Idromeno]]. The opening of other movie theaters followed by 1920 in Shkodër, [[Berat]], Tirana and [[Vlorë]]. During the [[Peoples Republic of Albania]], Albanian cinema developed rapidly with the inauguration of the [[Kinostudio Shqipëria e Re]] in Tirana. In 1953, the Albanian-Soviet [[epic film]], the [[The Great Warrior Skanderbeg|Great Warrior Skanderbeg]], was released chronicling the life and fight of the medieval Albanian hero [[Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg|Skanderbeg]]. It went on to win the international prize at the [[1954 Cannes Film Festival]]. In 2003, the [[Tirana International Film Festival]] was established, the largest film festival in the country. [[Durrës]] is host to the [[Durrës International Film Festival]], the second largest film festival, taking place at the [[Durrës Amphitheatre]]. | 738 | Albania | [
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"States and territories established in 1912",
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| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Music"
]
| Albanian folk music is a prominent part of the national identity, and continues to play a major part in overall [[Music of Albania|Albanian music]]. Folk music can be divided into two stylistic groups, mainly the northern [[Gheg Albanian|Gheg]] varieties, and southern [[Labëria|Lab]] and [[Tosk Albanian|Tosk]] varieties. Northern and southern traditions are contrasted by a rugged tone from the north, and the more relaxed southern form of music. Many songs concern events from [[History of Albania|Albanian history]] and [[Culture of Albania|culture]], including traditional themes of honour, hospitality, treachery, and revenge. The first compilation of Albanian folk music was made by two [[Himara|Himariot]] musicians, [[Neço Muko|Neço Muka]] and Koço Çakali, in Paris, during their work with Albanian soprano [[Tefta Tashko-Koço]]. Several [[Phonograph record|gramophone]] compilations were recorded at the time by the three artists, which eventually led to the recognition of [[Albanian iso-polyphony]] as a [[UNESCO]] [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|Intangible Cultural Heritage]]. [[Festivali i Këngës]] is a traditional Albanian song contest organised by the national broadcaster [[Radio Televizioni Shqiptar]] (RTSH). The festival is celebrated annually since its inauguration in 1962 and has launched the careers of some of Albania's most successful singers including [[Vaçe Zela]] and [[Parashqevi Simaku]]. It is significantly a music competition among Albanian performers presenting unreleased songs in premiere, composed by Albanian authors and voted by juries or by public. Contemporary artists [[Rita Ora]], [[Bebe Rexha]], [[Era Istrefi]], [[Dua Lipa]], [[Ava Max]], [[Bleona]], [[Elvana Gjata]], [[Ermonela Jaho]], and [[Inva Mula]] have achieved international recognition for their music, while soprano [[Ermonela Jaho]] has been described by some as the "world's most acclaimed soprano". Albanian opera singer [[Saimir Pirgu]] was nominated for the 2017 [[Grammy Award]]. | 738 | Albania | [
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| [
"Outline of Albania",
"Bibliography of Albania",
"Index of Albania-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Traditional clothing"
]
| Every cultural and geographical region of Albania has its own specific variety of costume that vary in style, material, color, shape, detail, and form. Presently, [[National costume of Albania|national costume]] are most often worn during special events and celebrations, mostly at ethnic festivals, religious holidays, weddings, and by performing dance groups. Some elderly people continue to wear traditional clothing in their daily lives. Clothing was traditionally made mainly from local materials such as leather, wool, linen, hemp fibre, and silk; Albanian textiles are still embroidered in elaborate ancient patterns. | 738 | Albania | [
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| [
"Outline of Albania",
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"Index of Albania-related articles"
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|
[
"Culture",
"Literature"
]
| The [[Albanian language]] comprises an independent branch and is a [[language isolate]] within the [[Indo-European language|Indo-European]] family of languages; it is not connected to any other known living language in Europe. Its origin is conclusively unknown, but it is believed to have descended from an ancient [[Paleo-Balkan languages|Paleo-Balkan language]]. The cultural renaissance was first of all expressed through the development of the [[Albanian language]] in the area of church texts and publications, mainly of the Catholic region in the northern of Albania, but also of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] in the south. The Protestant reforms invigorated hopes for the development of the local language and literary tradition, when cleric [[Gjon Buzuku]] brought into the Albanian language the [[Catholic liturgy]], trying to do for the Albanian language, what [[Martin Luther]] did for the German language. [[Meshari]] (''The Missal'') written by [[Gjon Buzuku]] was published in 1555 and is considered as one of the first literary work of written Albanian during the Middle Ages. The refined level of the language and the stabilised orthography must be the result of an earlier tradition of written Albanian, a tradition that is not well understood. However, there is some fragmented evidence, pre-dating Buzuku, which indicates that Albanian was written from at least the 14th century. The earliest evidence dates from 1332 AD with a Latin report from the French Dominican Guillelmus Adae, [[Archbishop]] of [[Antivari]], who wrote that Albanians used Latin letters in their books although their language was quite different from Latin. Other significant examples include: a [[Formula e pagëzimit|baptism formula]] (''Unte paghesont premenit Atit et Birit et spertit senit'') from 1462, written in Albanian within a Latin text by the Bishop of [[Durrës]], [[Pal Engjëlli]]; a glossary of Albanian words of 1497 by Arnold von Harff, a German who had travelled through Albania, and a 15th-century fragment of the Bible from the [[Gospel of Matthew]], also in Albanian, but written in Greek letters. Albanian writings from these centuries must not have been religious texts only, but historical chronicles too. They are mentioned by the humanist [[Marin Barleti]], who in his book [[Siege of Shkodra (1478)#The Book|Siege of Shkodër]] (''Rrethimi i Shkodrës'') from 1504, confirms that he leafed through such chronicles written in the language of the people (''in vernacula lingua'') as well as his famous biography of [[Skanderbeg]] [[Marin Barleti|Historia de vita et gestis Scanderbegi Epirotarum principis]] (''History of Skanderbeg'') from 1508. The ''History of Skanderbeg'' is still the foundation of Skanderbeg studies and is considered an Albanian cultural treasure, vital to the formation of Albanian national self-consciousness. | 738 | Albania | [
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"Outline of Albania",
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"Index of Albania-related articles"
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|
[
"Culture",
"Literature"
]
| During the 16th and the 17th centuries, the [[catechism]] (''E mbësuame krishterë'') (Christian Teachings) from 1592 written by [[Lekë Matrënga]], (''Doktrina e krishterë'') (The Christian Doctrine) from 1618 and (''Rituale romanum'') 1621 by [[Pjetër Budi]], the first writer of original Albanian [[prose]] and poetry, an [[Remorse|apology]] for George Castriot (1636) by [[Frang Bardhi]], who also published a dictionary and [[folklore]] creations, the theological-philosophical treaty ''[[Cuneus Prophetarum]]'' (The Band of Prophets) (1685) by [[Pjetër Bogdani]], the most universal personality of Albanian [[Middle Ages]], were published in [[Albanian language|Albanian]]. The most famous Albanian writer in the 20th and 21st century is probably [[Ismail Kadare]]. He has been mentioned as a possible recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. | 738 | Albania | [
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"Outline of Albania",
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"Index of Albania-related articles"
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|
[
"Culture",
"Sports"
]
| Albania participated at the [[1972 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games in 1972]] for the first time. The country made their Winter Olympic Games debut in [[Winter Olympics 2006|2006]]. Albania missed the next four games, two of them due to the 1980 and 1984 boycotts, but returned for the 1992 games in [[1992 Olympic Winter Games|Barcelona]]. Since then, Albania have participated in all games. Albania normally competes in events that include swimming, athletics, weightlifting, shooting and wrestling. The country have been represented by the [[National Olympic Committee of Albania]] since 1972. The nation has participated at the [[Mediterranean Games]] since the games of [[1987 Mediterranean Games|1987]] in Syria. The Albanian athletes have won a total of 43 (8 gold, 17 silver and 18 bronze) medals from [[1987 Mediterranean Games|1987]] to [[2013 Mediterranean Games|2013]]. Popular sports in Albania include [[Football in Albania|Football]], weightlifting, [[Albania national basketball team|basketball]], volleyball, tennis, swimming, [[rugby union]] and gymnastics. Football is by far the most popular sport in Albania. It is governed by the [[Football Association of Albania]] (, F.SH.F.), which was created in 1930 and has membership in [[FIFA]] and [[UEFA]]. Football arrived in Albania early in the 20th century when the inhabitants of the northern city of [[Shkodër]] were surprised to see a strange game being played by students at a Christian mission. The [[Albania national football team]], ranking 51st in the [[FIFA World Rankings|World]] in 2017 (highest 22nd on 22 August 2015) have won the [[1946 Balkan Cup]] and the [[Rothmans International Tournament 2000|Malta Rothmans International Tournament 2000]], but had never participated in any major [[UEFA]] or [[FIFA]] tournament, until [[UEFA Euro 2016]], Albania's first ever appearance at the continental tournament and at a major men's football tournament. Albania scored their first ever goal in a major tournament and secured their first ever win in European Championship when they beat [[Romania national football team|Romania]] by 1–0 in a [[UEFA Euro 2016]] match on 19 June 2016. The most successful football clubs in the country are [[KF Skënderbeu Korçë|Skënderbeu]], [[KF Tirana]], [[FK Dinamo Tirana|Dinamo Tirana]], [[FK Partizani Tirana|Partizani]] and [[KF Vllaznia Shkodër|Vllaznia]]. Weightlifting is one of the most successful individual sport for the Albanians, with the national team winning medals at the [[European Weightlifting Championships]] and the rest international competitions. Albanian weightlifters have won a total of 16 medals at the [[European Weightlifting Championships|European Championships]] with 1 of them being gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze. In the [[World Weightlifting Championships]], the Albanian weightlifting team has won in [[1972 World Weightlifting Championships|1972]] a gold in [[2002 World Weightlifting Championships|2002]] a silver and in [[2011 World Weightlifting Championships|2011]] a bronze medal. | 738 | Albania | [
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| [
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]
|
[
"Culture",
"Diaspora"
]
| Historically, the Albanian people have established several communities in many regions throughout Southern Europe. The [[Albanian diaspora]] has been formed since the late [[Middle Ages]], when they emigrated to places such as Italy, especially in [[Sicily]] and [[Calabria]], and [[Greece]] to escape either various socio-political difficulties or the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman conquest]] of Albania. Following the [[Fall of communism in Albania|fall of communism]], large numbers of Albanians have migrated to countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, [[Greece]], Italy, [[Scandinavia]], [[Switzerland]], United Kingdom and the United States. Albanian [[Minority group|minorities]] are present in the neighbouring territories such as the west of [[North Macedonia]], the east of [[Montenegro]], [[Kosovo]] in its entirety and southern [[Serbia]]. In [[Kosovo]], Albanians make up the largest ethnic group in the country. Altogether, the number of ethnic Albanian living abroad its territory is estimated to be higher than the total population inside the territory of Albania. | 738 | Albania | [
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"Outline of Albania",
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|
[]
| '''Allah''' (; , ) is the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] word for [[God in Abrahamic religions]]. In the English language, the word generally refers to [[God in Islam]]. The word is thought to be derived by [[Contraction (grammar)|contraction]] from ''[[Arabic definite article|al]]-[[Ilah|ilāh]]'', which means "the god", and is linguistically related to ''[[El (deity)|El]]'' (''[[Elohim]]'') and ''[[Names of God in Judaism#Elah|Elah]]'', the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] and [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]] words for God. The word ''Allah'' has been used by [[Arabs|Arabic people]] of different religions since [[pre-Islamic Arabia|pre-Islamic]] times. More specifically, it has been used as a term for God by [[Muslim]] (both [[Arab Muslims|Arab]] and non-Arab), and [[Arab Christians]]. It is also often, albeit not exclusively, used in this way by [[Bábism|Bábists]], [[Baháʼí Faith|Baháʼís]], [[Mandaeans]], [[Christianity in Indonesia|Indonesian]] and [[Christianity in Malta|Maltese]] Christians, and [[Sephardi Jews]]. Similar usage by Christians and [[Sikhs]] in [[West Malaysia]] has recently led to political and legal controversies. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
"Islamic terminology",
"Arabian deities",
"Arabian gods",
"Middle Eastern gods"
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| [
"Names of God",
"Abdullah (name)",
"Ismul Azam",
"Allah as a lunar deity",
"Emblem of Iran"
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|
[
"Etymology"
]
| The [[etymology]] of the word ''Allāh'' has been discussed extensively by classical Arab philologists. Grammarians of the [[Hasan of Basra|Basra school]] regarded it as either formed "spontaneously" (''murtajal'') or as the definite form of ''lāh'' (from the verbal root ''lyh'' with the meaning of "lofty" or "hidden"). Others held that it was borrowed from Syriac or Hebrew, but most considered it to be derived from a [[Synalepha|contraction]] of the Arabic definite article ''[[al-]]'' "the" and '''' "[[deity]], god" to '''' meaning ''"the deity"'', or ''"the God"''. The majority of modern scholars subscribe to the latter theory, and view the loanword hypothesis with skepticism. [[Cognates]] of the name "Allāh" exist in other [[Semitic languages]], including [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] and [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]]. The corresponding [[Aramaic]] form is ''Elah'' (), but its emphatic state is ''Elaha'' (). It is written as (''ʼĔlāhā'') in [[Biblical Aramaic]] and (''ʼAlâhâ'') in [[Syriac language|Syriac]] as used by the [[Assyrian Christians|Assyrian Church]], both meaning simply "God". [[Biblical Hebrew]] mostly uses the plural (but functional singular) form ''[[Elohim]]'' (), but more rarely it also uses the singular form ''Eloah'' (). | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
"Islamic terminology",
"Arabian deities",
"Arabian gods",
"Middle Eastern gods"
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| [
"Names of God",
"Abdullah (name)",
"Ismul Azam",
"Allah as a lunar deity",
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|
[
"Usage",
"Pre-Islamic Arabians"
]
| Regional variants of the word ''Allah'' occur in both pagan and Christian pre-Islamic inscriptions. Different theories have been proposed regarding the role of Allah in pre-Islamic [[Polytheism|polytheistic cults]]. Some authors have suggested that polytheistic Arabs used the name as a reference to a [[creator god]] or a supreme deity of their [[Pantheon (religion)|pantheon]]. The term may have been vague in the [[Mecca|Meccan religion]]. According to one hypothesis, which goes back to [[Julius Wellhausen]], Allah (the supreme deity of the tribal federation around [[Quraysh]]) was a designation that consecrated the superiority of [[Hubal]] (the supreme deity of Quraysh) over the other gods. However, there is also evidence that Allah and Hubal were two distinct deities. According to that hypothesis, the [[Kaaba]] was first consecrated to a supreme deity named Allah and then hosted the pantheon of Quraysh after their conquest of [[Mecca]], about a century before the time of [[Muhammad]]. Some inscriptions seem to indicate the use of Allah as a name of a polytheist deity centuries earlier, but nothing precise is known about this use. Some scholars have suggested that Allah may have represented a remote creator god who was gradually eclipsed by more particularized local deities. There is disagreement on whether Allah played a major role in the Meccan religious cult. No iconic representation of Allah is known to have existed. Allah is the only god in Mecca that did not have an idol. Muhammad's father's name was [[Abd Allah ibn Abd al Muttalib|]] meaning "the slave of Allāh". | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
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"Arabian deities",
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| [
"Names of God",
"Abdullah (name)",
"Ismul Azam",
"Allah as a lunar deity",
"Emblem of Iran"
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|
[
"Usage",
"Christianity"
]
| [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, use the word "Allah" to mean "God". The Christian Arabs of today have no other word for "God" than "Allah". Similarly, the [[Aramaic]] word for "God" in the language of [[Assyrian Christians]] is ''ʼĔlāhā'', or ''Alaha''. (Even the Arabic-descended [[Maltese language]] of [[Malta]], whose population is almost entirely [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], uses ''Alla'' for "God".) Arab Christians, for example, use the terms '''' () for [[God the Father]], '''' () for [[Son of God|God the Son]], and '''' () for [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|God the Holy Spirit]]. (See [[God in Christianity]] for the Christian concept of God.) [[Arab Christians]] have used two forms of invocations that were [[affix]] to the beginning of their written works. They adopted the Muslim '''', and also created their own [[Trinity|Trinitized]] '''' as early as the 8th century. The Muslim '''' reads: "In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful." The Trinitized '''' reads: "In the name of Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God." The [[Syriac language|Syriac]], [[Latin]] and [[Greek language|Greek]] invocations do not have the words "One God" at the end. This addition was made to emphasize the [[monotheism|monotheistic]] aspect of Trinitarian belief and also to make it more palatable to Muslims. According to [[Marshall Hodgson]], it seems that in the pre-Islamic times, some Arab Christians made pilgrimage to the [[Kaaba]], a pagan temple at that time, honoring Allah there as God the Creator. Some archaeological excavation quests have led to the discovery of ancient [[pre-Islamic Arabia|pre-Islamic]] inscriptions and tombs made by [[Arab Christians]] in the ruins of a church at [[Umm el-Jimal]] in Northern [[Jordan]], which initially, according to Enno Littman (1949), contained references to Allah as the proper name of God. However, on a second revision by Bellamy et al. (1985 & 1988) the 5-versed-inscription was re-translated as "(1)This [inscription] was set up by colleagues of ʿUlayh, (2) son of ʿUbaydah, secretary (3) of the cohort Augusta Secunda (4) Philadelphiana; may he go mad who (5) effaces it." The syriac word ܐܠܗܐ (''ʼĔlāhā'') can be found in the reports and the lists of names of Christian martyrs in South Arabia, as reported by antique Syriac documents of the names of those martyrs from the era of the [[Himyarite]] and [[Aksumite]] kingdoms In [[Ibn Ishaq|Ibn Ishaq's]] biography there is a Christian leader named Abd Allah ibn Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad, who was martyred in Najran in 523, as he had worn a ring that said "Allah is my lord". In an inscription of Christian martyrion dated back to 512, references to 'l-ilah (الاله) can be found in both Arabic and Aramaic. The inscription starts with the statement "By the Help of 'l-ilah". | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
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"Arabian deities",
"Arabian gods",
"Middle Eastern gods"
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| [
"Names of God",
"Abdullah (name)",
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|
[
"Usage",
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| In pre-Islamic Gospels, the name used for God was "Allah", as evidenced by some discovered Arabic versions of the [[New Testament]] written by [[Arab Christians]] during the pre-Islamic era in Northern and Southern [[Arabia]]. However most recent research in the field of Islamic Studies by Sydney Griffith et al. (2013), David D. Grafton (2014), Clair Wilde (2014) & ML Hjälm et al. (2016 & 2017) assert that "all one can say about the possibility of a pre-Islamic, Christian version of the Gospel in Arabic is that no sure sign of its actual existence has yet emerged." Additionally ML Hjälm in her most recent research (2017) inserts that "manuscripts containing translations of the gospels are encountered no earlier than the year 873" [[Irfan Shahîd]] quoting the 10th-century encyclopedic collection [[Kitab al-Aghani]] notes that pre-Islamic Arab Christians have been reported to have raised the battle cry "''Ya La Ibad Allah''" (O slaves of Allah) to invoke each other into battle. According to Shahid, on the authority of 10th-century Muslim scholar [[Al-Marzubani]], "Allah" was also mentioned in pre-Islamic Christian poems by some [[Ghassanid]] and [[Tanukhids|Tanukhid]] poets in [[Syria]] and Northern [[Arabia]]. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
"Islamic terminology",
"Arabian deities",
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| [
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"Abdullah (name)",
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"Islam"
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| In Islam, ''Allah'' is the unique, omnipotent and only deity and [[Creator deity|creator of the universe]] and is equivalent to [[God in Abrahamic religions|God in other Abrahamic religions]]. ''Allah'' is usually seen as the personal name of God, a notion which became disputed in contemporary scholarship, including the question, whether or not the word ''Allah'' should be translated as ''God''. According to Islamic belief, Allah is the most common word to represent God, and humble submission to his will, divine ordinances and commandments is the pivot of the Muslim faith. "He is the only God, creator of the universe, and the judge of humankind." "He is unique ('''') and inherently one (''''), all-merciful and omnipotent." No human eyes can see Allah till the Day Of Judgement. The Qur'an declares "the reality of Allah, His inaccessible mystery, His various names, and His actions on behalf of His creatures." Allah doesn't depend on anything. God is not a part of the Christian Trinity. God has no parents and no children. The concept correlates to the [[Tawhid]], where chapter 112 of the [[Quran|Qur'an]] ([[Al-Ikhlas|''Al-'Ikhlās'']], The Sincerity) reads: [[]] SAY, God is one GOD; the eternal GOD: He begetteth not, neither is He begotten: and there is not any one like unto Him.and in the [[Ayat ul-Kursi]] ("Verse of the Throne"), which is the 255th verse and the powerful verse in the longest chapter (the 2nd chapter) of the Qur'an, ''[[Al-Baqarah]]'' (''"''The Cow") states: "Allah! There is no deity but ''Him'', the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh ''Him''. Unto ''Him'' belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who could intercede in ''His'' presence without ''His'' permission? ''He'' knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of ''His'' knowledge except what ''He'' wills. ''His'' throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and ''He'' is never weary of preserving them. ''He'' is the Sublime, the Tremendous." In Islamic tradition, there are [[99 Names of God]] ('''' lit. meaning: 'the best names' or 'the most beautiful names'), each of which evoke a distinct characteristic of Allah. All these names refer to Allah, the supreme and all-comprehensive divine name. Among the 99 names of God, the most famous and most frequent of these names are "the Merciful" (''[[Rahman (name)|ar-Raḥmān]]'') and "the Compassionate" (''''), including the forementioned above ''al-Aḥad'' ("the One, the Indivisible") and ''al-Wāḥid'' ("the Unique, the Single"). Most Muslims use the untranslated Arabic phrase ''[[Insha'Allah|]]'' (meaning 'if God wills') after references to future events. Muslim discursive piety encourages beginning things with the invocation of ''[[Basmala|]]'' (meaning 'In the name of God'). There are certain phrases in praise of God that are favored by Muslims, including "[[subhan'allah|]]" (Glory be to God), "[[Alhamdulillah|]]" (Praise be to God), "[[Shahada|]]" (There is no deity but God) or sometimes "''lā ilāha illā inta/ huwa''" (There is no deity but ''You''/ ''Him'') and "[[Takbir|]]" (God is the Most Great) as a devotional exercise of remembering God ([[dhikr]]). | 740 | Allah | [
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[
"Usage",
"Islam"
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| In a [[Sufi]] practice known as ''dhikr Allah'' ([[Arabic]]: ذكر الله, lit. "Remembrance of God"), the Sufi repeats and contemplates the name ''Allah'' or other associated divine names to Him while controlling his or her breath. For example, in countless references in the context from the Qur'an forementioned above: 1) Allah is referred to in the second [[Personal pronoun|person pronoun]] in Arabic as "''Inta'' ([[Arabic]]: َإِنْت)" like the [[English language|English]] "''You''", or commonly in the third person pronoun "''Huwa'' ([[Arabic]]: َهُو)" like the English "''He''" and uniquely in the case pronoun of the [[Oblique case|oblique]] form "''Hu/ Huw'' ([[Arabic]]: هو /-هُ)" like the English "''Him''" which rhythmically resonates and is chanted as considered a sacred sound or echo referring Allah as the "Absolute Breath or Soul of Life" - ''Al-[[Nafs]] al-Hayyah'' ([[Arabic]]: النّفس الحياة, ''an-Nafsu 'l-Ḥayyah'') - notably among the 99 names of God, "the Giver of Life" (''[[Al Muhyi|al-Muḥyī]]'') and "the Bringer of Death" (''[[Al Mumit|al-Mumiyt]]''); 2) Allah is neither male or female (who has no gender), but who is the essence of the "Omnipotent, Selfless, Absolute Soul (''an-[[Nafs]],'' النّفس) and Holy Spirit" (''ar-[[Rūḥ]],'' الرّوح) - notably among the 99 names of God, "the All-Holy, All-Pure and All-Sacred" (''[[Al Quddus|al-Quddus]]''); 3) Allah is the originator of both before and beyond the cycle of creation, destruction and time, - notably among the 99 names of God, "the First, Beginning-less" (''[[Al Awwal|al-Awwal]]''), "the End/ Beyond ["the Final Abode"]/ Endless" (''[[Al Akhir|al-Akhir/ al-Ākhir]]'') and "the Timeless" (''[[Al Sabur|aṣ-Ṣabūr]]''). According to [[Gerhard Böwering]], in contrast with pre-Islamic Arabian [[polytheism]], God in Islam does not have associates and companions, nor is there any kinship between God and [[jinn]]. Pre-Islamic pagan Arabs believed in a blind, powerful, inexorable and insensible fate over which man had no control. This was replaced with the Islamic notion of a powerful but provident and merciful God. According to [[Francis Edward Peters]], "The [[Quran|Qur’ān]] insists, Muslims believe, and historians affirm that [[Muhammad]] and his followers worship the same God as the Jews (). The Qur’an's Allah is the same Creator God who covenanted with [[Abraham]]". Peters states that the Qur'an portrays Allah as both more powerful and more remote than [[Yahweh]], and as a universal deity, unlike Yahweh who closely follows [[Israel]]. | 740 | Allah | [
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[
"Pronunciation"
]
| The word ''Allāh'' is generally pronounced , exhibiting a heavy lām, , a [[velarized alveolar lateral approximant]], a marginal phoneme in [[Arabic phonology|Modern Standard Arabic]]. Since the initial alef has no [[hamza]], the initial is elided when a preceding word ends in a vowel. If the preceding vowel is , the lām is light, , as in, for instance, the [[Basmala]]. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
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[
"As a loanword",
"English and other European languages"
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| The history of the name ''Allāh'' in English was probably influenced by the study of [[comparative religion]] in the 19th century; for example, [[Thomas Carlyle]] (1840) sometimes used the term Allah but without any implication that Allah was anything different from God. However, in his biography of Muḥammad (1934), [[Tor Andræ]] always used the term ''Allah'', though he allows that this "conception of God" seems to imply that it is different from that of the Jewish and Christian theologies. Languages which may not commonly use the term ''Allah'' to denote God may still contain popular expressions which use the word. For example, because of the centuries long [[Al-Andalus|Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula]], the word ''ojalá'' in the Spanish language and ''oxalá'' in the [[Portuguese language]] exist today, borrowed from [[Arabic]] ''[[inshalla]]'' (Arabic: إن شاء الله). This phrase literally means 'if God wills' (in the sense of "I hope so"). The German poet [[Siegfried August Mahlmann|Mahlmann]] used the form "Allah" as the title of a poem about the ultimate deity, though it is unclear how much Islamic thought he intended to convey. Some Muslims leave the name "Allāh" untranslated in English, rather than using the English translation "God". The word has also been applied to certain living human beings as [[Anthropomorphism|personifications]] of the term and concept. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
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[
"As a loanword",
"Malaysian and Indonesian language"
]
| Christians in Malaysia and Indonesia use ''Allah'' to refer to God in the [[Malaysian language|Malaysian]] and [[Indonesian language]] (both of them standardized forms of the [[Malay language]]). Mainstream Bible translations in the language use ''Allah'' as the translation of Hebrew ''[[Elohim]]'' (translated in English Bibles as "God"). This goes back to early translation work by [[Francis Xavier]] in the 16th century. The first dictionary of Dutch-Malay by Albert Cornelius Ruyl, Justus Heurnius, and Caspar Wiltens in 1650 (revised edition from 1623 edition and 1631 Latin edition) recorded "Allah" as the translation of the Dutch word "[[:en:God|Godt]]". Ruyl also translated the [[Gospel of Matthew]] in 1612 into the Malay language (an early Bible translation into a non-European language, made a year after the publication of the [[King James Version]]), which was printed in the Netherlands in 1629. Then he translated the [[Gospel of Mark]], published in 1638. The [[government of Malaysia]] in 2007 outlawed usage of the term ''Allah'' in any other but Muslim contexts, but the [[High Court of Malaya|Malayan High Court]] in 2009 revoked the law, ruling it unconstitutional. While ''Allah'' had been used for the Christian God in Malay for more than four centuries, the contemporary controversy was triggered by usage of ''Allah'' by the Roman Catholic newspaper [[The Herald (Malaysian Catholic Weekly)|''The Herald'']]. The government appealed the court ruling, and the High Court suspended implementation of its verdict until the hearing of the appeal. In October 2013 the court ruled in favor of the government's ban. In early 2014 the Malaysian government confiscated more than 300 bibles for using the word to refer to the Christian God in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the use of ''Allah'' is not prohibited in the two Malaysian states of [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]]. The main reason it is not prohibited in these two states is that usage has been long-established and local Alkitab ([[Bibles]]) have been widely distributed freely in East Malaysia without restrictions for years. Both states also do not have similar Islamic state laws as those in West Malaysia. In reaction to some media criticism, the Malaysian government has introduced a "10-point solution" to avoid confusion and misleading information. The 10-point solution is in line with the spirit of the [[18-point agreement|18]]- and [[20-point agreement]] of Sarawak and Sabah. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
"Islamic terminology",
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"Names of God",
"Abdullah (name)",
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|
[
"Typography"
]
| The word '''' is always written without an [[aleph|]] to spell the '''' vowel. This is because the spelling was settled before Arabic spelling started habitually using '''' to spell ''''. However, in vocalized spelling, a small diacritic '''' is added on top of the ''[[shadda|]]'' to indicate the pronunciation. One exception may be in the pre-Islamic [[History of the Arabic alphabet#Pre-Islamic Arabic inscriptions|Zabad inscription]], where it ends with an ambiguous sign that may be a lone-standing ''h'' with a lengthened start, or may be a non-standard conjoined '''':- (-) : This reading would be '''' spelled phonetically with '''' for the ''''. (-) : This reading would be '''' = 'the god' (an older form, without contraction), by older spelling practice without '''' for ''''. Many Arabic type fonts feature special [[typographic ligature|ligatures]] for Allah. | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
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[
"Typography",
"Unicode"
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| [[Unicode]] has a code point reserved for '''', = U+FDF2, in the [[Arabic Presentation Forms-A]] block, which exists solely for "compatibility with some older, legacy character sets that encoded presentation forms directly"; this is discouraged for new text. Instead, the word '''' should be represented by its individual Arabic letters, while modern font technologies will render the desired ligature. The calligraphic variant of the word used as the [[Coat of arms of Iran]] is encoded in Unicode, in the [[Miscellaneous Symbols]] range, at code point U+262B (☫). | 740 | Allah | [
"Allah",
"Names of God",
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"Arabian deities",
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| [
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[]
| '''''Algorithms''''' is a monthly [[peer-reviewed]] [[open-access]] [[scientific journal]] of [[mathematics]], covering design, analysis, and experiments on [[algorithm]]. The journal is published by [[MDPI]] and was established in 2008. The founding [[editor-in-chief]] was [[Kazuo Iwama (computer scientist)|Kazuo Iwama]] ([[Kyoto University]]). From May 2014 to September 2019, the editor-in-chief was Henning Fernau ([[Universität Trier]]). The current editor-in-chief is Frank Werner ([[Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg]]). | 742 | Algorithms (journal) | [
"Computer science journals",
"Open access journals",
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"English-language journals",
"Publications established in 2008",
"Mathematics journals",
"Monthly journals"
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| [
"ACM Transactions on Algorithms",
"Journal of Algorithms",
"Algorithmica"
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|
[]
| '''Azerbaijan''' (, ; ), officially the '''Republic of Azerbaijan''', is a country located at the crossroads of [[Eastern Europe]] and [[Western Asia]]. It is a part of the [[Caucasus]] region, and is bounded by the [[Caspian Sea]] to the east, [[Russia]] to the north, [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] to the northwest, [[Armenia]] and [[Turkey]] to the west, and [[Iran]] to the south. The [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]] proclaimed its independence from the [[Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic]] in 1918 and became the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state. In 1920, the country was incorporated into the [[Soviet Union]] as the [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic|Azerbaijan SSR]]. The modern Republic of Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence on 30 August 1991, shortly before the [[Dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in the same year. In September 1991, the Armenian majority of the disputed [[Nagorno-Karabakh]] region seceded to form the [[Republic of Artsakh]]. The region and [[Armenian-controlled territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh|seven surrounding districts]], internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan pending a solution to the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh through negotiations facilitated by the [[OSCE]], became ''de facto'' independent with the end of the [[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]] in 1994. Following the [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war]], the seven districts and parts of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]] were returned to Azerbaijani control. Azerbaijan is a [[Unitary state|unitary]] [[Semi-presidential system|semi-presidential]] [[republic]]. It is one of six independent [[List of Turkic dynasties and countries#Current independent states|Turkic states]] and an active member of the [[Turkic Council]] and the [[International Organization of Turkic Culture|TÜRKSOY]] community. Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with 182 countries and holds membership in 38 international organizations, including the [[United Nations]], the [[Council of Europe]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]], and the [[NATO]] [[Partnership for Peace|PfP]] program. It is one of the founding members of [[GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development|GUAM]], the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]], and the [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons|OPCW]]. Azerbaijan is also an observer state of the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]]. The vast majority, or around 97% of the country's population is [[Muslim]], and the [[Constitution of Azerbaijan|constitution]] does not declare an official religion and all major political forces in the country are [[secularism|secularist]]. Azerbaijan is a [[developing country]] and ranks 87th on the [[Human Development Index]]. It has a high rate of [[economic development]], [[literacy rate|literacy]], and a low rate of [[List of countries by unemployment rate|unemployment]]. However, the ruling party, the [[New Azerbaijan Party]], in power since 1993, has been accused of authoritarian leadership and the deterioration of the country's [[Human rights in Azerbaijan|human rights record]], including increasing restrictions on civil liberties, particularly on [[Media freedom in Azerbaijan|press freedom]] and political repression. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"Etymology"
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| According to a modern etymology, the term ''Azerbaijan'' derives from that of ''[[Atropates]]'', a [[Persian people|Persian]] [[satrap]] under the [[Achaemenid Empire]], who was later reinstated as the satrap of [[Medes|Media]] under [[Alexander the Great]]. The original etymology of this name is thought to have its roots in the once-dominant [[Zoroastrianism]]. In the [[Avesta]]'s ''Frawardin [[Yasht]]'' ("Hymn to the Guardian Angels"), there is a mention of ''âterepâtahe ashaonô fravashîm ýazamaide'', which literally translates from [[Avestan]] as "we worship the [[fravashi]] of the holy [[Atropatene]]." The name "Atropates" itself is the Greek transliteration of an Old Iranian, probably [[Median language|Median]], compounded name with the meaning "Protected by the (Holy) Fire" or "The Land of the (Holy) Fire". The Greek name was mentioned by [[Diodorus Siculus]] and [[Strabo]]. Over the span of millennia, the name evolved to ([[Middle Persian]]), then to , , (New Persian) and present-day ''Azerbaijan''. The name ''Azerbaijan'' was first adopted for the area of the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan by the government of [[Musavat]] in 1918, after the [[Russian Revolution|collapse of the Russian Empire]], when the independent [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]] was established. Until then, the designation had been used exclusively to identify the [[Azerbaijan (Iran)|adjacent region of contemporary northwestern Iran]], while the area of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formerly referred to as ''[[Arran (Caucasus)|Arran]]'' and ''[[Shirvan]]''. On that basis Iran protested the newly adopted country name. During the Soviet rule, the country was also spelled in Latin from the [[Russian transliteration]] as ''Azerbaydzhan'' (). The country's name was also spelled in Cyrillic script from 1940 to 1991 as "Азәрбајҹан". | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"History",
"Antiquity"
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| The earliest evidence of human settlement in the territory of Azerbaijan dates back to the late [[Stone Age]] and is related to the [[Guruchay culture]] of [[Azykh Cave]]. Early settlements included the [[Scythia]] during the 9th century BC. Following the Scythians, Iranian [[Medes]] came to dominate the area to the south of the [[Aras (river)|Aras river]]. The Medes forged a vast empire between 900 and 700 BC, which was integrated into the [[Achaemenid Empire]] around 550 BC. The area was conquered by the Achaemenids leading to the spread of [[Zoroastrianism]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"History",
"From the Sasanid period to the Safavid period"
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| The [[Sasanian Empire]] turned [[Caucasian Albania]] into a [[vassal state]] in 252, while King [[Urnayr]] officially adopted [[Christianity]] as the state religion in the 4th century. Despite Sassanid rule, [[Caucasian Albania|Albania]] remained an entity in the region until the 9th century, while fully subordinate to Sassanid Iran, and retained its monarchy. Despite being one of the chief vassals of the Sasanian emperor, the Albanian king had only a semblance of authority, and the Sasanian [[marzban]] (military governor) held most civil, religious, and military authority. In the first half of the 7th century, [[Caucasian Albania]], as a vassal of the Sasanians, came under nominal Muslim rule due to the [[Muslim conquest of Persia]]. The [[Umayyad Caliphate]] repulsed both the Sasanians and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantines]] from [[Transcaucasia]] and turned [[Caucasian Albania]] into a vassal state after Christian resistance led by King [[Javanshir]], was suppressed in 667. The power vacuum left by the decline of the [[Abbasid Caliphate]] was filled by numerous local dynasties such as the [[Sallarid dynasty|Sallarids]], [[Sajid dynasty|Sajids]], and [[Shaddadids]]. At the beginning of the 11th century, the territory was gradually seized by the waves of [[Oghuz Turks]] from [[Central Asia]], who adopted a [[Turkoman (ethnonym)|Turkoman]] ethnonym at the time. The first of these Turkic dynasties established was the [[Seljuk Empire]], who entered the area now known as Azerbaijan by 1067. The pre-Turkic population that lived on the territory of modern Azerbaijan spoke several [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] and Caucasian languages, among them [[Armenian language|Armenian]] and an [[Iranian languages|Iranian language]], [[Old Azeri language|Old Azeri]], which was gradually replaced by a [[Turkic languages|Turkic language]], the early precursor of the [[Azerbaijani language]] of today. Some linguists have also stated that the [[Tat language (Caucasus)|Tati dialects]] of [[Azerbaijan (Iran)|Iranian Azerbaijan]] and the Republic of Azerbaijan, like those spoken by the [[Tat people (Caucasus)|Tats]], are descended from Old Azeri. Locally, the possessions of the subsequent Seljuk Empire were ruled by [[Eldiguzids]], technically vassals of the Seljuk sultans, but sometimes ''de facto'' rulers themselves. Under the Seljuks, local poets such as [[Nizami Ganjavi]] and [[Khaqani]] gave rise to a blossoming of [[Persian literature]] on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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|
[
"History",
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| The local dynasty of the [[Shirvanshah]] became a [[vassal]] state of [[Timurid Empire|Timur's Empire]], and assisted him in his war with the ruler of the [[Golden Horde]] [[Tokhtamysh]]. Following Timur's death, two independent and rival states emerged: [[Kara Koyunlu]] and [[Aq Qoyunlu]]. The Shirvanshahs returned, maintaining for numerous centuries to come a high degree of autonomy as local rulers and vassals as they had done since 861. In 1501, the [[Safavid dynasty]] of Iran subdued the Shirvanshahs and gained its possessions. In the course of the next century, the Safavids [[Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam|converted the formerly Sunni population to Shia Islam]], as they did with the population in what is modern-day Iran. The Safavids allowed the Shirvanshahs to remain in power, under Safavid suzerainty, until 1538, when Safavid king [[Tahmasp I]] (r. 1524–1576) completely deposed them, and made the area into the Safavid province of [[Safavid Shirvan|Shirvan]]. The Sunni Ottomans briefly managed to occupy parts of present-day Azerbaijan as a result of the [[Ottoman-Safavid War (1578-1590)|Ottoman-Safavid War of 1578–1590]]; by the early 17th century, they were ousted by Safavid Iranian ruler [[Abbas I of Persia|Abbas I]] (r. 1588–1629). In the wake of the demise of the Safavid Empire, Baku and its environs were briefly occupied by the Russians as a consequence of the [[Russo-Persian War (1722–23)|Russo-Persian War of 1722–1723]]. Despite brief intermissions such as these by Safavid Iran's neighboring rivals, the land of what is today Azerbaijan remained under Iranian rule from the earliest advent of the Safavids up to the course of the 19th century. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Contemporary history"
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| After the [[Safavid]], the area was ruled by the Iranian [[Afsharid dynasty]]. After the death of [[Nader Shah]] (r. 1736–1747), many of his former subjects capitalized on the eruption of instability. Numerous self-ruling [[Khanates of the Caucasus|khanate]] with various forms of autonomy emerged in the area. The rulers of these khanates were directly related to the ruling dynasties of Iran, and were [[vassals]] and [[Commoners|subjects]] of the Iranian shah. The khanates exercised control over their affairs via international trade routes between Central Asia and the West. Thereafter, the area was under the successive rule of the Iranian [[Zand dynasty|Zand]] and [[Qajar dynasty|Qajars]]. From the late 18th century, Imperial Russia switched to a more aggressive geo-political stance towards its two neighbors and rivals to the south, namely Iran and the Ottoman Empire. Russia now actively tried to gain possession of the Caucasus region which was, for the most part, in the hands of Iran. In 1804, the Russians [[Battle of Ganja (1804)|invaded and sacked the Iranian town of Ganja]], sparking the [[Russo-Persian War (1804–13)|Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813]]. The militarily superior Russians ended the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813 with a victory. Following Qajar Iran's loss in the 1804–1813 war, it was forced to concede suzerainty over most of the khanates, along with Georgia and Dagestan to the [[Russian Empire]], per the [[Treaty of Gulistan]]. The area to the north of the river [[Aras River|Aras]], amongst which territory lies the contemporary Republic of Azerbaijan, was Iranian territory until it was occupied by Russia in the 19th century. About a decade later, in violation of the Gulistan treaty, the Russians invaded Iran's [[Erivan Khanate]]. This sparked the final bout of hostilities between the two, the [[Russo-Persian War (1826-1828)|Russo-Persian War of 1826–1828]]. The resulting [[Treaty of Turkmenchay]], forced [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar Iran]] to cede sovereignty over the Erivan Khanate, the [[Nakhchivan Khanate]] and the remainder of the [[Lankaran Khanate]], comprising the last parts of the soil of the contemporary Azerbaijani Republic that were still in Iranian hands. After incorporation of all Caucasian territories from Iran into Russia, the new border between the two was set at the [[Aras River]], which, upon the Soviet Union's disintegration, subsequently became part of the border between Iran and the Azerbaijan Republic. Qajar Iran was forced to cede its Caucasian territories to Russia in the 19th century, which thus included the territory of the modern-day Azerbaijan Republic, while as a result of that cession, the [[Azerbaijanis|Azerbaijani ethnic group]] is nowadays parted between two nations: Iran and Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, the number of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran far outnumber those in neighboring Azerbaijan. After the collapse of the Russian Empire during [[World War I]], the short-lived [[Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic]] was declared, constituting the present-day republics of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"History",
"Contemporary history"
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| It was followed by the [[March Days]] massacres that took place between 30 March and 2 April 1918 in the city of [[Baku]] and adjacent areas of the [[Baku Governorate]] of the [[Russian Empire]]. When the republic dissolved in May 1918, the leading [[Musavat]] party declared independence as the [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]] (ADR), adopting the name of "Azerbaijan" for the new republic; a name that prior to the proclamation of the ADR was solely used to refer to the adjacent [[Iranian Azerbaijan|northwestern region of contemporary Iran]]. The ADR was the first modern [[parliamentary republic]] in the Muslim world. Among the important accomplishments of the Parliament was the extension of suffrage to women, making Azerbaijan the first Muslim nation to grant women equal political rights with men. Another important accomplishment of ADR was the establishment of [[Baku State University]], which was the first modern-type university founded in the Muslim East. By March 1920, it was obvious that Soviet Russia would attack Baku. [[Vladimir Lenin]] said that the invasion was justified as [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Soviet Russia]] could not survive without Baku's [[Petroleum industry in Azerbaijan|oil]]. Independent Azerbaijan lasted only 23 days until the [[Bolshevik]] [[11th Soviet Red Army]] invaded it, establishing the [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic|Azerbaijan SSR]] on 28 April 1920. Although the bulk of the newly formed Azerbaijani army was engaged in putting down an Armenian revolt that had just broken out in [[Karabakh]], Azerbaijanis did not surrender their brief independence of 1918–20 quickly or easily. As many as 20,000 Azerbaijani soldiers died resisting what was effectively a Russian reconquest. On 13 October 1921, the Soviet republics of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia signed an agreement with Turkey known as the [[Treaty of Kars]]. The previously independent [[Republic of Aras]] would also become the [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic]] within the Azerbaijan SSR by the treaty of Kars. On the other hand, [[Armenia]] was awarded the region of [[Syunik Province|Zangezur]] and Turkey agreed to return [[Gyumri]] (then known as Alexandropol). During [[World War II]], Azerbaijan played a crucial role in the strategic energy policy of the Soviet Union, with 80 percent of the Soviet Union's oil on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] being supplied by Baku. By the Decree of the [[Supreme Soviet of the USSR]] in February 1942, the commitment of more than 500 workers and employees of the [[petroleum industry|oil industry]] of Azerbaijan were awarded orders and medals. [[Operation Edelweiss]] carried out by the German [[Wehrmacht]] targeted Baku because of its importance as the energy (petroleum) dynamo of the USSR. A fifth of all Azerbaijanis fought in the Second World War from 1941 to 1945. Approximately 681,000 people with over 100,000 of them women went to the front, while the total population of Azerbaijan was 3.4 million at the time. Some 250,000 people from Azerbaijan were killed on the front. More than 130 Azerbaijanis were named [[Hero of the Soviet Union|Heroes of the Soviet Union]]. Azerbaijani Major-General [[Azi Aslanov]] was twice awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
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| Following the politics of ''[[glasnost]]'', initiated by [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], civil unrest and ethnic strife grew in various regions of the Soviet Union, including [[Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast|Nagorno-Karabakh]], an autonomous region of the Azerbaijan SSR. The disturbances in Azerbaijan, in response to Moscow's indifference to an already heated conflict, resulted in calls for independence and secession, which culminated in the [[Black January]] events in Baku. Later in 1990, the [[Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR|Supreme Council of the Azerbaijan SSR]] dropped the words "Soviet Socialist" from the title, adopted the "Declaration of Sovereignty of the Azerbaijan Republic" and restored the flag of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic as the state flag. As a consequence of the [[1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt|failed coup which occurred in August in Moscow]], on 18 October 1991, the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted a Declaration of Independence which was affirmed by a nationwide referendum in December 1991, while the Soviet Union officially ceased to exist on 26 December 1991. The country now celebrates its [[Independence Day (Azerbaijan)|Independence Day]] on 18 October. The early years of independence were overshadowed by the [[First Nagorno-Karabakh war]] with the ethnic Armenian majority of Nagorno-Karabakh backed by Armenia. By the end of the hostilities in 1994, Armenians controlled up to 14–16 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh itself. During the war many atrocities were committed including the [[massacre]] at [[Malibeyli and Gushchular Massacre|Malibeyli and Gushchular]], the [[Garadaghly Massacre|Garadaghly massacre]] and the [[Khojaly massacre]]. Furthermore, an estimated 30,000 people have been killed and more than a million people have been displaced, more than 800,000 Azerbaijanis and 300,000 Armenians. Four [[United Nations Security Council]] Resolutions ([[United Nations Security Council Resolution 822|822]], [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 853|853]], [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 874|874]], and [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 884|884]]) demand for "the immediate withdrawal of all Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan." Many Russians and Armenians left and fled Azerbaijan as refugees during the 1990s. According to the 1970 census, there were 510,000 ethnic [[Russian diaspora|Russians]] and 484,000 Armenians in Azerbaijan. In 1993, democratically elected president [[Abulfaz Elchibey]] was overthrown by a military insurrection led by Colonel [[Surat Huseynov]], which resulted in the rise to power of the former leader of [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet Azerbaijan]], [[Heydar Aliyev]]. In 1994, Surat Huseynov, by that time the prime minister, attempted another military coup against Heydar Aliyev, but he was arrested and charged with treason. A year later, in 1995, another [[1995 Azerbaijani coup d'état attempt|coup]] was attempted against Aliyev, this time by the commander of the [[OMON]] special unit, [[Rovshan Javadov]]. The coup was averted, resulting in the killing of the latter and disbanding of Azerbaijan's OMON units. At the same time, the country was tainted by rampant corruption in the governing bureaucracy. In October 1998, Aliyev was reelected for a second term. Despite the much improved economy, particularly with the exploitation of the [[Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli|Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil field]] and [[Shah Deniz gas field]], Aliyev's presidency was criticized due to suspected election frauds, high levels of economic inequality and [[Corruption in Azerbaijan|domestic corruption]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"History",
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| [[Ilham Aliyev]], Heydar Aliyev's son, became chairman of the [[New Azerbaijan Party]] as well as [[President of Azerbaijan]] when his father died in 2003. He was [[Azerbaijani presidential election, 2013|reelected to a third term]] as president in October 2013. On 27 September 2020, new clashes in the unresolved [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] resumed along the [[Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact]]. Both the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia reported military and civilian casualties. The [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement|Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement]] and the end of the six-week [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war|war between Azerbaijan and Armenia]] was seen as a victory and was widely celebrated in Azerbaijan. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Outline of Azerbaijan",
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|
[
"Geography"
]
| Geographically, Azerbaijan is located in the [[South Caucasus]] region of [[Eurasia]], straddling [[Southwest Asia|Western Asia]] and Eastern Europe. It lies between latitudes [[38th parallel north|38°]] and [[42nd parallel north|42° N]], and longitudes [[44th meridian east|44°]] and [[51st meridian east|51° E]]. The total length of Azerbaijan's [[List of land border lengths|land borders]] is , of which 1,007 kilometers are with Armenia, 756 kilometers with Iran, 480 kilometers with Georgia, 390 kilometers with Russia and 15 kilometers with Turkey. The [[coast]] stretches for , and the length of the widest area of the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea is . The territory of Azerbaijan extends from north to south, and from west to east. Three physical features dominate Azerbaijan: the Caspian Sea, whose shoreline forms a natural boundary to the east; the [[Greater Caucasus]] mountain range to the north; and the extensive flatlands at the country's center. There are also three mountain ranges, the Greater and [[Lesser Caucasus]], and the [[Talysh Mountains]], together covering approximately 40% of the country. The highest peak of Azerbaijan is [[Mount Bazardüzü]] (4,466 m), while the lowest point lies in the Caspian Sea (−28 m). Nearly half of all the [[mud volcano]] on Earth are concentrated in Azerbaijan, [[mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan|these volcanoes]] were also among nominees for the [[New7Wonders of Nature]]. The main water sources are surface waters. However, only 24 of the 8,350 rivers are greater than in length. All the rivers drain into the Caspian Sea in the east of the country. The largest lake is [[Lake Sarysu|Sarysu]] (67 km), and the longest river is [[Kura (Caspian Sea)|Kur]] (1,515 km), which is [[Transboundary river|transboundary]] with [[Armenia]]. Azerbaijan has several islands along the Caspian sea, mostly located in the [[Baku Archipelago]]. Since the independence of Azerbaijan in 1991, the [[Politics of Azerbaijan|Azerbaijani government]] has taken measures to preserve the environment of Azerbaijan. National protection of the environment accelerated after 2001 when the state budget increased due to new revenues provided by the [[Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline]]. Within four years protected areas doubled and now make up eight percent of the country's territory. Since 2001 the government has set up seven large reserves and almost doubled the sector of the budget earmarked for environmental protection. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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|
[
"Geography",
"Landscape"
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| Azerbaijan is home to a vast variety of landscapes. Over half of Azerbaijan's landmass consists of [[mountain ridge]], [[Mountain crest|crests]], [[highland]], and [[plateaus]] which rise up to hypsometric levels of 400–1000 meters (including the Middle and Lower lowlands), in some places (Talis, Jeyranchol-Ajinohur and Langabiz-Alat foreranges) up to 100–120 meters, and others from 0–50 meters and up ([[Qobustan, Absheron]]). The rest of Azerbaijan's terrain consists of plains and lowlands. Hypsometric marks within the Caucasus region vary from about −28 meters at the Caspian Sea shoreline up to 4,466 meters (Bazardüzü peak). The formation of climate in Azerbaijan is influenced particularly by cold [[arctic]] [[air mass]] of Scandinavian [[anticyclone]], temperate air masses of [[Siberia]] anticyclone, and Central Asian anticyclone. Azerbaijan's diverse landscape affects the ways air masses enter the country. The Greater Caucasus protects the country from direct influences of cold air masses coming from the north. That leads to the formation of [[Subtropics|subtropical climate]] on most foothills and plains of the country. Meanwhile, plains and foothills are characterized by high [[Sunlight|solar radiation]] rates. 9 out of 11 existing [[Köppen climate classification|climate zones]] are present in Azerbaijan. Both the absolute minimum temperature ( ) and the absolute maximum temperature ( ) were observed in [[Julfa District|Julfa]] and [[Ordubad District|Ordubad]] – regions of [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic]]. The maximum annual [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] falls in [[Lankaran]] () and the minimum in Absheron (). Rivers and lakes form the principal part of the water systems of Azerbaijan, they were formed over a long geological timeframe and changed significantly throughout that period. This is particularly evidenced by remnants of ancient rivers found throughout the country. The country's water systems are continually changing under the influence of natural forces and human-introduced industrial activities. Artificial rivers (canals) and ponds are a part of Azerbaijan's water systems. In terms of water supply, Azerbaijan is below the average in the world with approximately per year of water per square kilometer. All big [[Reservoir|water reservoirs]] are built on Kur. The hydrography of Azerbaijan basically belongs to the [[Caspian Sea basin]]. The [[Kura (Caspian Sea)|Kura]] and [[Aras River|Aras]] are the major rivers in Azerbaijan, they run through the [[Kura-Aras Lowland]]. The rivers that directly flow into the Caspian Sea, originate mainly from the north-eastern slope of the Major Caucasus and [[Talysh Mountains]] and run along the Samur–Devechi and Lankaran lowlands. [[Yanar Dag]], translated as "burning mountain", is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the [[Absheron Peninsula]] on the [[Caspian Sea]] near [[Baku]], which itself is known as the "land of fire." Flames jet out into the air from a thin, porous sandstone layer. It is a tourist attraction to visitors to the Baku area. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"Geography",
"Biodiversity"
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| The first reports on the richness and diversity of animal life in Azerbaijan can be found in travel notes of Eastern travelers. Animal carvings on architectural monuments, ancient rocks, and stones survived up to the present times. The first information on the flora and fauna of Azerbaijan was collected during the visits of naturalists to Azerbaijan in the 17th century. There are 106 species of mammals, 97 species of fish, 363 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians and 52 species of reptiles which have been recorded and classified in Azerbaijan. The national animal of Azerbaijan is the [[Karabakh horse]], a mountain-steppe racing and riding horse endemic to Azerbaijan. The Karabakh horse has a reputation for its good temper, speed, elegance and intelligence. It is one of the oldest breeds, with ancestry dating to the ancient world. However, today the horse is an endangered species. Azerbaijan's flora consists of more than 4,500 species of [[higher plants]]. Due to the unique climate in Azerbaijan, the flora is much richer in the number of species than the flora of the other republics of the South Caucasus. 66 percent of the species growing in the whole [[Caucasus]] can be found in Azerbaijan. The country lies within four ecoregions: [[Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests]], [[Caucasus mixed forests]], [[Eastern Anatolian montane steppe]], and [[Azerbaijan shrub desert and steppe]]. Azerbaijan had a 2018 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 6.55/10, ranking it 72nd globally out of 172 countries. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"Politics"
]
| The structural formation of Azerbaijan's political system was completed by the adoption of the new [[Constitution of Azerbaijan|Constitution]] on 12 November 1995. According to Article 23 of the Constitution, the [[National symbol|state symbols]] of the Azerbaijan Republic are the [[Flag of Azerbaijan|flag]], the [[Coat of arms of Azerbaijan|coat of arms]], and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan|national anthem]]. The state power in Azerbaijan is limited only by law for internal issues, but international affairs is additionally limited by the provisions of international agreements. The Constitution of Azerbaijan states that it is a presidential republic with three branches of power – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The legislative power is held by the [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] [[National Assembly of Azerbaijan|National Assembly]] and the Supreme National Assembly in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The Parliament of Azerbaijan, called Milli Majlis, consists of 125 deputies elected based on [[first past the post|majority vote]], with a term of 5 years for each elected member. The elections are held every five years, on the first Sunday of November. The Parliament is not responsible for the formation of the government, but the Constitution requires the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers by Milli Majlis. The [[New Azerbaijan Party]], and independents loyal to the ruling government, currently hold almost all of the Parliament's 125 seats. During the [[Azerbaijani parliamentary election, 2010|2010 Parliamentary election]], the opposition parties, [[Musavat]] and [[Azerbaijani Popular Front Party]], failed to win a single seat. European observers [[Azerbaijani parliamentary election, 2010#Campaign irregularities|found numerous irregularities]] in the run-up to the election and [[Azerbaijani parliamentary election, 2010#Election|on election day]]. The executive power is held by the [[President of Azerbaijan|President]], who is elected for a seven-year term by direct elections, and the [[Prime Minister of Azerbaijan|Prime Minister]]. The president is authorized to form the Cabinet, a collective executive body, accountable to both the President and the National Assembly. The Cabinet of Azerbaijan consists primarily of the prime minister, his deputies, and ministers. The president does not have the right to dissolve the National Assembly but has the right to veto its decisions. To override the presidential veto, the parliament must have a majority of 95 votes. The judicial power is vested in the [[Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan|Constitutional Court]], [[Supreme Court of Azerbaijan|Supreme Court]], and the Economic Court. The president nominates the judges in these courts. The [[European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice]] (CEPEJ) report refers to the Azerbaijani justice model on the selection of new judges as best practice, reflecting the particular features and the course of development towards ensuring the independence and quality of the judiciary in a new democracy. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
"Politics"
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| Azerbaijan's system of governance nominally can be called two-tiered. The top or highest tier of the government is the Executive Power headed by President. The President appoints the Cabinet of Ministers and other high-ranking officials. The Local Executive Authority is merely a continuation of Executive Power. The legal status of local state administration in Azerbaijan is determined by the Provision on Local Executive Authority (''Yerli Icra Hakimiyati''), adopted 16 June 1999. In June 2012, the President approved the new Regulation, which granted additional powers to Local Executive Authorities, strengthening their dominant position in Azerbaijan's local affairs Chapter 9 of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic addresses major issues of local self-government, such as the legal status of municipalities, types of local self-government bodies, their basic powers and relationships to other official entities. The other nominal tier of governance is municipalities (''Bələdiyə'') and members of municipalities are elected by a general vote in Municipal elections every five years. Currently, there are 1,607 municipalities across the country. The Law on Municipal Elections and the Law on the Status of Municipalities were the first to be adopted in the field of local government (2 July 1999). The Law on Municipal Service regulates the activities of municipal employees, their rights, duties, labor conditions and social benefits, and outlines the structure of the executive apparatus and the organization of municipal service. The Law on the Status of Municipalities regulates the role and structure of municipal bodies and outlines state guarantees of legal and financial autonomy. The law pays special attention to the adoption and execution of municipal programs concerning social protection, social and economic development, and the local environment. The Security Council is the deliberative body under the president, and he organizes it according to the Constitution. It was established on 10 April 1997. The administrative department is not a part of the president's office but manages the financial, technical and pecuniary activities of both the president and his office. Although Azerbaijan has held several elections since regaining its independence and it has many of the formal institutions of democracy, it remains classified as "not free" (on border with "partly free") by [[Freedom House]]. In recent years, large numbers of Azerbaijani journalists, bloggers, lawyers, and human rights activists have been rounded up and jailed for their criticism of President Aliyev and government authorities. A resolution adopted by the European Parliament in September 2015 described Azerbaijan as "having suffered the greatest decline in democratic governance in all of Eurasia over the past ten years," noting as well that its dialogue with the country on human rights has "not made any substantial progress." On 17 March 2016, the President of Azerbaijan signed a decree pardoning more than a dozen of the persons regarded as political prisoners by some NGOs. This decree was welcomed as a positive step by the US State Department. On 16 March 2017 another pardon decree was signed, which led to the release of additional persons regarded as political prisoners. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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[
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| Azerbaijan has been harshly criticized for bribing foreign officials and diplomats in order to promote its causes abroad and legitimize its elections at home, a practice which has been termed as [[Caviar diplomacy]]. However, on 6 March 2017, [[European strategic intelligence and security center|ESISC]] (European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center) published a report called "The Armenian Connection", in which it attacked human rights NGOs and research organisations criticising human rights violations and corruption in Azerbaijan. [[European strategic intelligence and security center|ESISC]] in that report asserted that the "Caviar Diplomacy" report elaborated by ESI aimed to create a climate of suspicion based on slander to form a network of MPs that would engage in a political war against Azerbaijan and that the network, composed of European PMs, Armenian officials, and some NGOs (Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, "Human Rights House Foundation", "Open Dialog, European Stability Initiative, and Helsinki Committee for Human Rights) was financed by the Soros Foundation. According to Robert Coalson (Radio Free Europe), ESISC is a part of Baku's lobbying efforts to extend the use of front think tanks to shift public opinion. Freedom Files Analytical Centre said that "The report is written in the worst traditions of authoritarian propaganda". | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Politics",
"Foreign relations"
]
| The short-lived Azerbaijan Democratic Republic succeeded in establishing diplomatic relations with six countries, sending diplomatic representatives to Germany and Finland. The process of international recognition of Azerbaijan's independence from the collapsing Soviet Union lasted roughly one year. The most recent country to recognize Azerbaijan was Bahrain, on 6 November 1996. Full diplomatic relations, including mutual exchanges of missions, were first established with Turkey, Pakistan, the United States, Iran and Israel. Azerbaijan has placed a particular emphasis on its "[[Special relationship (international relations)|special relationship]]" with Turkey. Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with 158 countries so far and holds membership in 38 international organizations. It holds observer status in the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] and [[World Trade Organization]] and is a correspondent at the [[International Telecommunication Union]]. On 9 May 2006 Azerbaijan was elected to membership in the newly established [[Human Rights Council]] by the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. The term of office began on 19 June 2006. Azerbaijan was first elected as a non-permanent member of the [[United Nations Security Council election, 2011|UN Security Council in 2011]] with the support of 155 countries. Foreign policy priorities of Azerbaijan include, first of all, the restoration of its territorial integrity; elimination of the consequences of occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other regions of Azerbaijan surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh; integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structure; contribution to international security; cooperation with international organizations; regional cooperation and bilateral relations; strengthening of defense capability; promotion of security by domestic policy means; strengthening of democracy; preservation of ethnic and religious tolerance; scientific, educational, and cultural policy and preservation of moral values; economic and social development; enhancing internal and border security; and migration, energy, and transportation security policy. Azerbaijan is an active member of international coalitions fighting international terrorism. Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to offer support after the [[September 11 attacks]]. The country is contributing to peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. Azerbaijan is an active member of [[NATO]]'s [[Partnership for Peace]] program. It also maintains good relations with the [[European Union]] and could potentially one day apply for membership. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
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"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Politics",
"Administrative divisions"
]
| Azerbaijan is divided into 10 economic regions; 66 [[Raion|rayons]] (''rayonlar'', singular ''rayon'') and 77 cities (''şəhərlər'', singular ''şəhər'') of which 12 are under the direct authority of the republic. Moreover, Azerbaijan includes the [[Autonomous Republic]] (''muxtar respublika'') of [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhchivan]]. The [[President of Azerbaijan]] appoints the governors of these units, while the government of Nakhchivan is elected and approved by the parliament of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. (-) [[Absheron Economic Region]] (-) [[Absheron District|Absheron]] (Abşeron) (-) [[Khizi District|Khizi]] (Xızı) (-) ''[[Baku]]'' (Bakı) (-) ''[[Sumqayit]]'' (Sumqayıt) (-) [[Aran economic region|Aran Economic Region]] (-) [[Aghjabadi District|Aghjabadi]] (Ağcabədi) (-) [[Agdash District|Aghdash]] (Ağdaş) (-) [[Barda District|Barda]] (Bərdə) (-) [[Beylagan District|Beylagan]] (Beyləqan) (-) [[Bilasuvar District|Bilasuvar]] (Biləsuvar) (-) [[Goychay District|Goychay]] (Göyçay) (-) [[Hajigabul District|Hajigabul]] (Hacıqabul) (-) [[Imishli District|Imishli]] (İmişli) (-) [[Kurdamir District|Kurdamir]] (Kürdəmir) (-) [[Neftchala District|Neftchala]] (Neftçala) (-) [[Saatly District|Saatly]] (Saatlı) (-) [[Sabirabad District|Sabirabad]] (Sabirabad) (-) [[Salyan District, Azerbaijan|Salyan]] (Salyan) (-) [[Ujar District|Ujar]] (Ucar) (-) [[Yevlakh District|Yevlakh]] (Yevlax) (-) [[Zardab District|Zardab]] (Zərdab) (-) ''[[Mingachevir]]'' (Mingəçevir) (-) ''[[Shirvan (city)|Shirvan]]'' (Şirvan) (-) ''[[Yevlakh]]'' (Yevlax) (-) [[Mountainous Shirvan economic region|Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region]] (-) [[Agsu District|Aghsu]] (Ağsu) (-) [[Gobustan District|Gobustan]] (Qobustan) (-) [[Ismailli District|Ismailly]] (İsmayıllı) (-) [[Shamakhi District|Shamakhy]] (Şamaxı) (-) [[Ganja-Qazakh Economic Region]] (-) [[Agstafa District|Aghstafa]] (Ağstafa) (-) [[Dashkasan District|Dashkasan]] (Daşkəsən) (-) [[Gadabay District|Gadabay]] (Gədəbəy) (-) [[Qazakh District|Qazakh]] (Qazax) (-) [[Goygol District|Goygol]] (Göygöl) (-) [[Goranboy District|Goranboy]] (Goranboy) (-) [[Samukh District|Samukh]] (Samux) (-) [[Shamkir District|Shamkir]] (Şəmkir) (-) [[Tovuz District|Tovuz]] (Tovuz) (-) ''[[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]]'' (Gəncə) (-) ''[[Naftalan, Azerbaijan|Naftalan]]'' (Naftalan) (-) [[Guba-Khachmaz economic region|Quba-Khachmaz Economic Region]] (-) [[Quba District (Azerbaijan)|Quba]] (Quba) (-) [[Qusar District|Qusar]] (Qusar) (-) [[Khachmaz District|Khachmaz]] (Xaçmaz) (-) [[Shabran District|Shabran]] (Şabran) (-) [[Siazan District|Siyazan]] (Siyəzən) (-) [[Kalbajar-Lachin|Kalbajar-Lachin Economic Region]] (-) [[Qubadli District|Gubadly]] (Qubadlı) (-) [[Kalbajar District|Kalbajar]] (Kəlbəcər) (-) [[Lachin District|Lachin]] (Laçın) (-) [[Zangilan District|Zangilan]] (Zəngilan) (-) [[Lankaran Economic Region]] (-) [[Astara District|Astara]] (Astara) (-) [[Jalilabad District (Azerbaijan)|Jalilabad]] (Cəlilabad) (-) [[Lankaran District|Lankaran]] (Lənkəran) (-) [[Lerik District|Lerik]] (Lerik) (-) [[Masally District|Masally]] (Masallı) (-) [[Yardymli District|Yardimly]] (Yardımlı) (-) ''[[Lankaran]]'' (Lənkəran) (-) Nakhchivan (-) [[Babek District|Babek]] (Babək) (-) [[Julfa District|Julfa]] (Culfa) (-) [[Kangarli District|Kangarli]] (Kəngərli) (-) [[Ordubad District|Ordubad]] (Ordubad) (-) [[Sadarak District|Sadarak]] (Sədərək) (-) [[Shahbuz District|Shahbuz]] (Şahbuz) (-) [[Sharur District|Sharur]] (Şərur) (-) ''[[Nakhchivan City|Nakhchivan]]'' (Naxçıvan) (-) [[Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region]] (-) [[Balakan District|Balakan]] (Balakən) (-) [[Qabala District|Gabala]] (Qəbələ) (-) [[Qakh District|Gakh]] (Qax) (-) [[Oghuz District|Oghuz]] (Oğuz) (-) [[Shaki District|Shaki]] (Şəki) (-) [[Zaqatala District|Zaqatala]] (Zaqatala) (-) ''[[Shaki, Azerbaijan|Shaki]]'' (Şəki) (-) [[Upper Karabakh economic region|Upper Karabakh Economic Region]] (-) [[Agdam District|Aghdam]] (Ağdam) (-) [[Fuzuli District|Fuzuli]] (Füzuli) (-) [[Jabrayil District|Jabrayil]] (Cəbrayıl) (-) [[Khojaly District|Khojaly]] (Xocalı) (-) [[Khojavend District|Khojavend]] (Xocavənd) (-) [[Shusha District|Shusha]] (Şuşa) (-) [[Tartar District|Tartar]] (Tərtər) (-) ''[[Stepanakert|Khankendi]]'' (Xankəndi) (-) ''[[Shusha]]'' (Şuşa) ''Note: The cities under the direct authority of the republic in italics''. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Military"
]
| The history of the modern Azerbaijan army dates back to [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]] in 1918, when the National Army of the newly formed Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was created on 26 June 1918. When Azerbaijan gained independence after the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan were created according to the Law on the Armed Forces of 9 October 1991. The original date of the establishment of the short-lived National Army is celebrated as Army Day (26 June) in today's Azerbaijan. As of 2021, Azerbaijan had 126,000 active personnel in its armed forces. There are also 17,000 paramilitary troops and 330,00 reserve personnel. The armed forces have three branches: the [[Army of Azerbaijan|Land Forces]], the [[Azerbaijani Air Forces|Air Forces]] and the [[Azerbaijan Navy|Navy]]. Additionally the armed forces embrace several military sub-groups that can be involved in state defense when needed. These are the [[Internal Troops (Azerbaijan)|Internal Troops]] of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the [[Azerbaijan Border Guard|State Border Service]], which includes the [[Azerbaijan Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] as well. The [[Azerbaijan National Guard]] is a further paramilitary force. It operates as a semi-independent entity of the Special State Protection Service, an agency subordinate to the President. Azerbaijan adheres to the [[Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe]] and has signed all major international arms and weapons treaties. Azerbaijan closely cooperates with [[NATO]] in programs such as [[Partnership for Peace]] and [[Individual Partnership Action Plan|Individual Partnership Action Plan/pfp and ipa]]. Azerbaijan has deployed 151 of its Peacekeeping Forces in Iraq and another 184 in Afghanistan. The defense budget of Azerbaijan for 2011 was set at US$3.1 billion. In addition to that, $1.36 billion was planned to be used for the needs of the [[Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan|defense industry]], which bring up the total military budget to 4.6 billion. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on 26 June 2011 that the defence spending reached $3.3 billion that year. Azerbaijan's defense budget for 2013 is $3.7 billion. Azerbaijani defense industry manufactures small arms, artillery systems, tanks, armors and [[Night vision device|noctovision devices]], aviation bombs, UAV'S/unmanned aerial vehicle, various military vehicles and military planes and helicopters. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Economy"
]
| After gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan became a member of the [[International Monetary Fund]], the [[World Bank]], the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]], the [[Islamic Development Bank]], and the [[Asian Development Bank]]. The banking system of Azerbaijan consists of the [[Central Bank of Azerbaijan]], [[commercial bank]] and non-banking credit organizations. The National (now Central) Bank was created in 1992 based on the Azerbaijan State Savings Bank, an affiliate of the former State Savings Bank of the USSR. The Central Bank serves as Azerbaijan's central bank, empowered to issue the national currency, the [[Azerbaijani manat]], and to supervise all commercial banks. Two major commercial banks are [[Unibank (Azerbaijan)|UniBank]] and the state-owned [[International Bank of Azerbaijan]], run by Abbas Ibrahimov. Pushed up by spending and demand growth, the 2007 [[First quarter of a calendar year|Q1]] inflation rate reached 16.6%. Nominal incomes and monthly wages climbed 29% and 25% respectively against this figure, but price increases in the non-oil industry encouraged inflation. Azerbaijan shows some signs of the so-called "[[Dutch disease]]" because of its fast-growing energy sector, which causes inflation and makes non-energy exports more expensive. In the early 2000s, chronically high inflation was brought under control. This led to the launch of a new currency, the new Azerbaijani manat, on 1 January 2006, to cement the economic reforms and erase the vestiges of an unstable economy. In 2008, Azerbaijan was cited as one of the top 10 reformers by the World Bank's [[Doing Business Report]]. Azerbaijan is also ranked 57th in the [[Global Competitiveness Report]] for 2010–2011, above other CIS countries. By 2012 the [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] of Azerbaijan had increased 20-fold from its 1995 level. According to [[World Bank]]'s [[Doing Business report]] 2019, Azerbaijan improved its position in the Ease of doing business rank from 57 to 25. As a result of implementing a record number of reforms mainly involving institutional changes among the 10 top improvers, to do business in Azerbaijan became easier, such as time and cost to get construction permit reduced significantly (time by 80 days and cost by 12.563 [[Azerbaijani manat|AZN]]), process of connecting electricity grid rationalized, as well as getting credit simplified. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Economy",
"Energy and natural resources"
]
| Two-thirds of Azerbaijan is rich in oil and natural gas. The history of the oil industry of Azerbaijan dates back to the ancient period. Arabian historian and traveler Ahmed Al-Belaruri discussed the economy of the Absheron peninsula in antiquity, mentioning its oil in particular. There are many [[pipelines in Azerbaijan]]. The goal of the [[Southern Gas Corridor]], which connects the giant [[Shah Deniz gas field]] in Azerbaijan to Europe, is to reduce European Union's dependency on Russian gas. The region of the [[Lesser Caucasus]] accounts for most of the country's gold, silver, iron, copper, [[titanium]], [[chromium]], [[manganese]], [[cobalt]], [[molybdenum]], complex [[ore]] and [[antimony]]. In September 1994, a 30-year contract was signed between the [[State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic]] (SOCAR) and 13 oil companies, among them [[Amoco]], [[BP]], [[ExxonMobil]], [[Lukoil]] and [[Equinor]]. As Western oil companies are able to tap deepwater [[oil field|oilfields]] untouched by the Soviet exploitation, Azerbaijan is considered one of the most important spots in the world for [[Hydrocarbon exploration|oil exploration]] and development. Meanwhile, the [[State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan]] was established as an extra-budgetary fund to ensure [[macroeconomy|macroeconomic]] stability, transparency in the management of oil revenue, and safeguarding of resources for future generations. Access to [[biocapacity]] in Azerbaijan is less than world average. In 2016, Azerbaijan had 0.8 global hectares of biocapacity per person within its territory, half the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person. In 2016 Azerbaijan used 2.1 global hectares of biocapacity per person – their [[ecological footprint]] of consumption. This means they use more biocapacity than Azerbaijan contains. As a result, Azerbaijan is running a biocapacity deficit. Azeriqaz, a sub-company of SOCAR, intends to ensure full gasification of the country by 2021. Azerbaijan is one of the sponsors of the east-west and north-south energy transport corridors. [[Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway]] line will connect the Caspian region with Turkey, is expected to be completed in July 2017. The [[Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline]] (TANAP) and [[Trans Adriatic Pipeline|Trans-Adriatic Pipeline]] (TAP) will deliver natural gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas to Turkey and Europe. Azerbaijan extended the agreement on development of [[Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli|ACG]] until 2050 according to the amended [[Production sharing agreement|PSA]] signed on 14 September 2017 by [[SOCAR]] and co-ventures ([[BP]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]], [[Inpex]], [[Equinor]], [[ExxonMobil]], [[Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı|TP]], ITOCHU and [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation|ONGC Videsh]]). | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
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"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
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|
[
"Economy",
"Agriculture"
]
| Azerbaijan has the largest agricultural basin in the region. About 54.9 percent of Azerbaijan is agricultural land. At the beginning of 2007 there were 4,755,100 hectares of utilized agricultural area. In the same year the total wood resources counted 136 million m³. Azerbaijan's agricultural scientific research institutes are focused on meadows and pastures, horticulture and [[subtropical]] crops, green vegetables, [[viticulture]] and [[Azerbaijani wine|wine-making]], cotton growing and [[medicinal plants]]. In some areas it is profitable to grow grain, potatoes, [[sugar beet]], cotton and tobacco. Livestock, dairy products, and wine and [[Distilled spirit|spirits]] are also important farm products. The Caspian [[fishing industry]] concentrates on the dwindling stocks of [[sturgeon]] and [[Beluga (sturgeon)|beluga]]. In 2002 the Azerbaijani [[merchant marine]] had 54 ships. Some products previously imported from abroad have begun to be produced locally. Among them are Coca-Cola by Coca-Cola Bottlers LTD., beer by Baki-Kastel, parquet by Nehir and oil pipes by EUPEC Pipe Coating Azerbaijan. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Economy",
"Tourism"
]
| Tourism is an important part of the [[economy of Azerbaijan]]. The country was a well-known tourist spot in the 1980s. However, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the [[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]] during the 1990s, damaged the tourist industry and the image of Azerbaijan as a tourist destination. It was not until the 2000s that the tourism industry began to recover, and the country has since experienced a high rate of growth in the number of tourist visits and overnight stays. In the recent years, Azerbaijan has also become a popular destination for religious, spa, and [[Azerbaijani medical tourism|health care tourism]]. During winter, the [[Shahdag Mountain Resort]] offers skiing with state of the art facilities. The [[government of Azerbaijan]] has set the development of Azerbaijan as an elite tourist destination as a top priority. It is a national strategy to make tourism a major, if not the single largest contributor to the Azerbaijani economy. These activities are regulated by the [[Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Azerbaijan)|Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan]]. There are 63 countries which have visa-free score. E-visa – for a visit of foreigners of visa-required countries to the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015 of the World Economic Forum, Azerbaijan holds 84th place. According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, Azerbaijan was among the top ten countries showing the strongest growth in visitor exports between 2010 and 2016, In addition, Azerbaijan placed first (46.1%) among countries with the fastest-developing travel and tourism economies, with strong indicators for inbound international visitor spending last year. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
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|
[
"Economy",
"Transportation"
]
| The convenient location of Azerbaijan on the crossroad of major international traffic arteries, such as the [[Silk Road]] and the south-north corridor, highlights the strategic importance of the transportation sector for the country's economy. The transport sector in the country includes roads, railways, aviation, and maritime transport. Azerbaijan is also an important economic hub in the transportation of raw materials. The [[Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline]] (BTC) became operational in May 2006 and extends more than 1,774 kilometers through the territories of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The BTC is designed to transport up to 50 million tons of crude oil annually and carries oil from the Caspian Sea oilfields to global markets. The [[South Caucasus Pipeline]], also stretching through the territory of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, became operational at the end of 2006 and offers additional gas supplies to the European market from the [[Shah Deniz gas field]]. Shah Deniz is expected to produce up to 296 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Azerbaijan also plays a major role in the EU-sponsored Silk Road Project. In 2002, the Azerbaijani government established the Ministry of Transport with a broad range of policy and regulatory functions. In the same year, the country became a member of the [[Vienna Convention on Road Traffic]]. Priorities are upgrading the transport network and improving transportation services in order to better facilitate the development of other sectors of the economy. The 2012 construction of [[Kars–Tbilisi–Baku railway]] was meant to improve transportation between Asia and Europe by connecting the railways of China and Kazakhstan in the east to the European railway system in the west via Turkey. In 2010 [[Russian gauge|Broad-gauge]] railways and electrified railways stretched for and respectively. By 2010, there were 35 airports and one [[heliport]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Outline of Azerbaijan",
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"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
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|
[
"Economy",
"Science and technology"
]
| In the 21st century, a new oil and gas boom helped to improve the situation in Azerbaijan's science and technology sectors, and the government launched a campaign aimed at modernization and [[List of Azerbaijani inventions and discoveries|innovation]]. The government estimates that profits from the information technology and communication industry will grow and become comparable to those from oil production. Azerbaijan has a large and steadily growing Internet sector, mostly uninfluenced by the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008]]; rapid growth is forecast for at least five more years. The country has also been making progress in developing its telecoms sector. The Ministry of Communications & Information Technologies (MCIT), as well as being an operator through its role in Aztelekom, is both a policy-maker and regulator. Public payphones are available for local calls and require the purchase of a token from the telephone exchange or some shops and kiosks. Tokens allow a call of indefinite duration. , there were 1,397,000 main telephone lines and 1,485,000 internet users. There are four [[GSM]] providers: [[Azercell]], [[:az:Bakcell|Bakcell]], Azerfon ([[Nar Mobile]]), [[Nakhtel]] mobile network operators and one [[CDMA]]. In the 21st century a number of prominent Azerbaijani [[geodynamics]] and [[geotectonics]] scientists, inspired by the fundamental works of Elchin Khalilov and others, designed hundreds of earthquake prediction stations and earthquake-resistant buildings that now constitute the bulk of The Republican Center of Seismic Service. The [[Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency]] launched its first satellite [[AzerSat 1]] into orbit on 7 February 2013 from [[Guiana Space Centre]] in French Guiana at orbital positions 46° East. The satellite covers Europe and a significant part of Asia and Africa and serves the transmission of TV and radio broadcasting as well as the Internet. The launching of a satellite into orbit is Azerbaijan's first step in realizing its goal of becoming a nation with its own space industry, capable of successfully implementing more projects in the future. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics"
]
| As of January 2019, 52.8% of Azerbaijan's total population of 9,981,457 is [[urban area|urban]], with the remaining 47.2% being rural. 50.1% of the total population is female. The [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] in the same year was 0.99 males per female. The 2011 population growth-rate was 0.85%, compared to 1.09% worldwide. A significant factor restricting population growth is a high level of migration. In 2011 Azerbaijan saw a migration of −1.14/1,000 people. The [[Azerbaijani diaspora]] is found in 42 countries and in turn there are many centers for ethnic minorities inside Azerbaijan, including the [[Germans in Azerbaijan|German]] cultural society "Karelhaus", [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] cultural center, Azerbaijani-Israeli community, [[Kurdish people|Kurdish]] cultural center, International [[Talysh people|Talysh]] Association, [[Lezgins|Lezgin]] national center "Samur", Azerbaijani-[[Tatarstan|Tatar]] community, [[Crimean Tatars]] society, etc. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics",
"Ethnic groups"
]
| The ethnic composition of the population according to the 2009 population census: 91.6% [[Azerbaijani people|Azerbaijanis]], 2.0% [[Lezgians|Lezgins]], 1.4% [[Armenians]] (almost all Armenians live in the break-away region of [[Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh|Nagorno-Karabakh]]), 1.3% [[Russians]], 1.3% [[Talysh people|Talysh]], 0.6% [[Caucasian Avars|Avars]], 0.4% [[Turkish people|Turks]], 0.3% [[Tatars]], 0.3% [[Tat people (Caucasus)|Tats]], 0.2% [[Ukrainians]], 0.1% [[Tsakhur people|Tsakhurs]], 0.1% [[Georgians]], 0.1% [[Jew]], 0.1% [[Kurdish people|Kurds]], other 0.2%. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics",
"Urbanisation"
]
| In total, Azerbaijan has 78 cities, 63 city districts, and one special legal status city. These are followed by 261 urban-type settlements and 4248 villages. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics",
"Languages"
]
| The official language is [[Azerbaijani language|Azerbaijani]], which is a [[Turkic languages|Turkic language]]. Azerbaijani is spoken by approximately 92% of the population as a [[mother tongue]]. Russian and [[Armenian language|Armenian]] (only in Nagorno-Karabakh) are also spoken, and each are the mother tongue of around 1.5% of the population respectively. There are a dozen other minority languages spoken natively in the country. [[Avar language|Avar]], [[Budukh language|Budukh]], [[Georgian language|Georgian]], [[Juhuri language|Juhuri]], [[Khinalug language|Khinalug]], [[Kryts language|Kryts]], [[Lezgian language|Lezgin]], [[Rutul language|Rutul]], [[Talysh language|Talysh]], [[Tat language (Caucasus)|Tat]], [[Tsakhur language|Tsakhur]], and [[Udi language|Udi]] are all spoken by small minorities. Some of these language communities are very small and their numbers are decreasing. Armenian was the majority language in Nagorno-Karabakh with around 76% in 1989. After the first Nagorno-Karabakh war, the population is almost exclusively Armenian at around 95%. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics",
"Religion"
]
| Azerbaijan is considered the most secular Muslim-majority country. Around 97% of the population are Muslims. 85% of the Muslims are [[Shia Islam|Shia]] and 15% [[Sunni Muslim|Sunni]]; the Republic of Azerbaijan has the second highest proportion of Shia Muslims of any country in the world. Other faiths are practised by the country's various ethnic groups. Under article 48 of its [[Constitution of Azerbaijan|Constitution]], Azerbaijan is a [[secular state]] and ensures religious freedom. In a 2006–2008 [[Gallup (company)|Gallup]] poll, only 21% of respondents from Azerbaijan stated that religion is an important part of their daily lives. Of the nation's religious minorities, the estimated 280,000 Christians (3.1%) are mostly [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian]] and [[Georgian Orthodox Church|Georgian]] [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenian Apostolic]] (almost all Armenians live in the break-away region of Nagorno-Karabakh). In 2003, there were 250 [[Roman Catholics]]. Other Christian denominations as of 2002 include [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], [[Baptists]] and [[Molokan]]. There is also a small [[Protestant]] community. Azerbaijan also has an ancient [[Jewish]] population with a [[Mountain Jews|2,000-year history]]; Jewish organizations estimate that 12,000 Jews remain in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan also is home to members of the [[Baháʼí Faith|Baháʼí]], [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|Hare Krishna]] and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] communities, as well as adherents of the other religious communities. Some religious communities have been [[Freedom of religion in Azerbaijan#Restrictions on religious freedom|unofficially restricted from religious freedom]]. A [[U.S. State Department]] report on the matter mentions detention of members of certain Muslim and Christian groups, and many groups have difficulty registering with the SCWRA. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Demographics",
"Education"
]
| A relatively high percentage of Azerbaijanis have obtained some form of higher education, most notably in scientific and technical subjects. In the Soviet era, literacy and average education levels rose dramatically from their very low starting point, despite two changes in the standard alphabet, from [[Perso-Arabic script]] to [[Latin script|Latin]] in the 1920s and from Roman to [[Cyrillic]] in the 1930s. According to Soviet data, 100 percent of males and females (ages nine to forty-nine) were literate in 1970. According to the [[United Nations Development Program]] Report 2009, the literacy rate in Azerbaijan is 99.5 percent. Since independence, one of the first laws that Azerbaijan's Parliament passed to disassociate itself from the Soviet Union was to adopt a [[Azerbaijani alphabet|modified-Latin alphabet]] to replace Cyrillic. Other than that the Azerbaijani system has undergone little structural change. Initial alterations have included the reestablishment of religious education (banned during the Soviet period) and curriculum changes that have reemphasized the use of the Azerbaijani language and have eliminated ideological content. In addition to elementary schools, the education institutions include thousands of preschools, general secondary schools, and [[vocational schools]], including specialized secondary schools and technical schools. Education through the ninth grade is compulsory. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture"
]
| The culture of Azerbaijan has developed as a result of many influences; that's why Azerbaijanis are, in many ways, bi-cultural. Today, national traditions are well preserved in the country despite Western influences, including [[globalization|globalized]] consumer culture. Some of the main elements of the Azerbaijani culture are: music, literature, folk dances and art, cuisine, architecture, cinematography and [[Novruz in Azerbaijan|Novruz Bayram]]. The latter is derived from the traditional celebration of the New Year in the ancient Iranian religion of [[Zoroastrianism]]. Novruz is a family holiday. The profile of Azerbaijan's population consists, as stated above, of Azerbaijanis, as well as other nationalities or ethnic groups, compactly living in various areas of the country. Azerbaijani national and traditional dresses are the [[Chokha]] and [[Papakhi]]. There are radio broadcasts in Russian, [[Georgian language|Georgian]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]], [[Lezgian language|Lezgian]] and [[Talysh language|Talysh]] languages, which are financed from the state budget. Some local radio stations in [[Balakən|Balakan]] and [[Khachmaz (city)|Khachmaz]] organize broadcasts in [[Avar language|Avar]] and [[Tat language (Caucasus)|Tat]]. In Baku several newspapers are published in Russian, Kurdish (''Dengi Kurd''), Lezgian (''Samur'') and Talysh languages. Jewish society "Sokhnut" publishes the newspaper ''Aziz''. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Countries in Asia",
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Music and folk dances"
]
| Music of Azerbaijan builds on [[Folk music|folk traditions]] that reach back nearly a thousand years. For centuries Azerbaijani music has evolved under the badge of [[monody]], producing rhythmically diverse melodies. Azerbaijani music has a branchy [[Musical mode|mode]] system, where [[Chromaticism|chromatization]] of [[major and minor]] [[Musical scale|scales]] is of great importance. Among national musical instruments there are 14 [[string instrument]], eight percussion instruments and six wind instruments. According to ''[[The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians|The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians]]'', "in terms of ethnicity, culture and religion the Azerbaijani are musically much closer to Iran than Turkey." [[Mugham]], [[meykhana]] and [[Art of Azerbaijani ashiqs|ashiq art]] are among the many musical traditions of Azerbaijan. Mugham is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes. When performing mugham, the singers have to transform their emotions into singing and music. In contrast to the mugham traditions of Central Asian countries, Azerbaijani mugham is more free-form and less rigid; it is often compared to the improvised field of [[jazz]]. [[UNESCO]] proclaimed the Azerbaijani mugham tradition a [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] on 7 November 2003. Meykhana is a kind of traditional Azerbaijani distinctive folk unaccompanied song, usually performed by several people improvising on a particular subject. Ashiq combines poetry, storytelling, dance, and vocal and instrumental music into a traditional performance art that stands as a symbol of Azerbaijani culture. It is a mystic troubadour or traveling bard who sings and plays the [[baglama|saz]]. This tradition has its origin in the [[Shamanistic]] beliefs of ancient [[Turkic peoples]]. Ashiqs' songs are semi-improvised around common bases. Azerbaijan's ashiq art was included in the list of [[Intangible Cultural Heritage]] by the UNESCO on 30 September 2009. Since the mid-1960s, Western-influenced [[Azerbaijani pop music]], in its various forms, that has been growing in popularity in Azerbaijan, while genres such as [[Azerbaijani rock|rock]] and [[Azerbaijani hip hop|hip hop]] are widely produced and enjoyed. Azerbaijani pop and [[Azerbaijani folk music]] arose with the international popularity of performers like [[Alim Qasimov]], [[Rashid Behbudov]], [[Vagif Mustafazadeh]], [[Muslim Magomayev (musician)|Muslim Magomayev]], [[Shovkat Alakbarova]] and [[Rubaba Muradova]]. Azerbaijan is an enthusiastic participant in the Eurovision Song Contest. Azerbaijan made its debut appearance at the 2008 [[Eurovision Song Contest 2008|Eurovision Song Contest]]. The country's [[Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009|entry]] gained third place in 2009 and fifth the following year. [[Eldar & Nigar|Ell and Nikki]] won the first place at the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2011]] with the song "[[Running Scared (Eldar & Nigar song)|Running Scared]]", entitling Azerbaijan to host the contest in [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012|2012]], in Baku. They have qualified for every Grand Final up until the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2018|2018 edition of the contest]], entering with [[X My Heart (song)|X My Heart]] by singer [[Aisel (singer)|Aisel]]. There are dozens of Azerbaijani [[folk dance]]. They are performed at formal celebrations and the dancers wear national clothes like the [[Chokha]], which is well-preserved within the national dances. Most dances have a very fast rhythm. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Literature"
]
| Among the medieval authors born within the territorial limits of modern Azerbaijani Republic was Persian poet and philosopher [[Nizami Ganjavi|Nizami]], called Ganjavi after his place of birth, [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]], who was the author of the [[Khamseh]] ("The Quintuplet"), composed of five romantic poems, including "The Treasure of Mysteries," "Khosrow and Shīrīn," and "Leyli and Mejnūn." The earliest known figure in Azerbaijani literature was [[Izzeddin Hasanoglu]], who composed a [[Diwan (poetry)|divan]] consisting of Persian and Turkic [[ghazal]]. In Persian ghazals he used his pen-name, while his Turkic ghazals were composed under his own name of Hasanoghlu. Classical literature in Azerbaijani was formed in the 14th century based on the various Early Middle Ages dialects of [[Tabriz]] and [[Shirvan]]. Among the poets of this period were [[Kadi Burhan al-Din|Gazi Burhanaddin]], [[Jahan Shah|Haqiqi]] (pen-name of [[Jahan Shah|Jahan-shah Qara Qoyunlu]]), and Habibi. The end of the 14th century was also the period of starting literary activity of [[Nesimi|Imadaddin Nasimi]], one of the greatest [[Turkic language|Turkic]] [[Hurufi]] [[Mysticism|mystical]] poets of the late 14th and early 15th centuries and one of the most prominent early divan masters in Turkic literary history, who also composed poetry in [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]]. The divan and ghazal styles were further developed by poets [[Qasem-e Anvar]], [[Fuzûlî|Fuzuli]] and [[Khatai]] (pen-name of [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid]] [[Shah Ismail I]]). The [[Book of Dede Korkut]] consists of two manuscripts copied in the 16th century, was not written earlier than the 15th century. It is a collection of 12 stories reflecting the oral tradition of Oghuz nomads. The 16th-century poet, Muhammed Fuzuli produced his timeless philosophical and lyrical ''Qazals'' in Arabic, Persian, and Azerbaijani. Benefiting immensely from the fine literary traditions of his environment, and building upon the legacy of his predecessors, Fuzuli was destined to become the leading literary figure of his society. His major works include ''The Divan of Ghazals'' and ''The Qasidas''. In the same century, Azerbaijani literature further flourished with the development of [[Ashik]] () poetic genre of bards. During the same period, under the pen-name of Khatāī ( for ''sinner'') Shah Ismail I wrote about 1400 verses in Azerbaijani, which were later published as his ''Divan''. A unique literary style known as ''qoshma'' ( for ''improvisation'') was introduced in this period, and developed by Shah Ismail and later by his son and successor, Shah [[Tahmasp I]]. In the span of the 17th and 18th centuries, Fuzuli's unique genres as well [[Ashik]] poetry were taken up by prominent poets and writers such as [[Qovsi of Tabriz]], [[Abbas II of Persia|Shah Abbas Sani]], [[:ru:Ага Масих Ширвани|Agha Mesih Shirvani]], Nishat, [[Molla Vali Vidadi]], [[Molla Panah Vagif]], Amani, Zafar and others. Along with [[Turkish people|Turks]], [[Turkmens]] and [[Uzbeks]], [[Azerbaijanis]] also celebrate the [[Epic of Koroglu]] (from for ''blind man's son''), a legendary folk hero. Several documented versions of Koroglu epic remain at the Institute for Manuscripts of the [[National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
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[
"Culture",
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| Modern literature in Azerbaijan is based on the Shirvani dialect mainly, while in Iran it is based on the Tabrizi one. The first newspaper in Azerbaijani, ''[[Akinchi]]'' was published in 1875. In the mid-19th century, it was taught in the schools of [[Baku]], [[Ganja (city)|Ganja]], [[Shaki, Azerbaijan|Shaki]], [[Tbilisi]], and [[Yerevan]]. Since 1845, it was also taught in the [[University of Saint Petersburg]] in Russia. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
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|
[
"Culture",
"Folk art"
]
| Azerbaijanis have a rich and distinctive culture, a major part of which is [[decorative art|decorative]] and [[applied art]]. This form of art is represented by a wide range of handicrafts, such as chasing, jeweling, engraving in metal, carving in wood, stone, and bone, carpet-making, lasing, pattern weaving and printing, knitting and embroidery. Each of these types of decorative art, evidence of the endowments of the Azerbaijan nation, is very much in favor here. Many interesting facts pertaining to the development of arts and crafts in Azerbaijan were reported by numerous merchants, travelers, and diplomats who had visited these places at different times. The [[Azerbaijani rug|Azerbaijani carpet]] is a traditional handmade textile of various sizes, with a dense texture and a pile or pile-less surface, whose patterns are characteristic of Azerbaijan's many carpet-making regions. In November 2010 the Azerbaijani carpet was proclaimed a [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage]] by [[UNESCO]]. Azerbaijan has been since ancient times known as a center of a large variety of crafts. The archeological dig on the territory of Azerbaijan testifies to the well-developed agriculture, stock raising, metalworking, pottery, ceramics, and carpet-weaving that date as far back as to the 2nd millennium BC. Archeological sites in Dashbulaq, Hasansu, Zayamchai, and Tovuzchai uncovered from the BTC pipeline have revealed early Iron Age artifacts. Azerbaijani carpets can be categorized under several large groups and a multitude of subgroups. Scientific research of the Azerbaijani carpet is connected with the name of [[Latif Karimov]], a prominent scientist and artist. It was his classification that related the four large groups of carpets with the four geographical zones of Azerbaijan, Guba-Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Karabakh and Tabriz. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
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"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
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|
[
"Culture",
"Cuisine"
]
| The traditional cuisine is famous for an abundance of vegetables and greens used seasonally in the dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, cilantro (coriander), dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, leeks, chives, thyme, marjoram, green onion, and watercress, are very popular and often accompany main dishes on the table. Climatic diversity and fertility of the land are reflected in the national dishes, which are based on fish from the [[Caspian Sea]], local meat (mainly mutton and beef), and an abundance of seasonal vegetables and greens. Saffron-rice [[plov]] is the flagship food in Azerbaijan and [[black tea]] is the national beverage. Azerbaijanis often use traditional [[armudu]] (pear-shaped) glass as they have very strong [[Azerbaijani tea culture|tea culture]]. Popular traditional dishes include [[bozbash]] (lamb soup that exists in several regional varieties with the addition of different vegetables), [[qutab]] (fried turnover with a filling of greens or minced meat) and [[dushbara]] (sort of dumplings of dough filled with ground meat and flavor). | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Architecture"
]
| Azerbaijani architecture typically combines elements of [[Eastern world|East]] and [[Western culture|West]]. Azerbaijiani architecture has heavy influences from Persian architecture. Many ancient architectural treasures such as the [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]] and [[Palace of the Shirvanshahs]] in the [[Baku|Walled City of Baku]] survive in modern Azerbaijan. Entries submitted on the [[UNESCO World Heritage]] tentative list include the [[Ateshgah of Baku]], [[Momine Khatun Mausoleum]], [[Hirkan National Park]], [[Binagadi asphalt lake]], [[Lökbatan Mud Volcano]], [[Shusha State Historical and Architectural Reserve]], Baku Stage Mountain, Caspian Shore Defensive Constructions, Ordubad National Reserve and the [[Palace of Shaki Khans]]. Among other architectural treasures are [[Quadrangular castle (Mardakan)|Quadrangular Castle]] in [[Mardakan]], [[Parigala]] in [[Yuxarı Çardaqlar|Yukhary Chardaglar]], a number of bridges spanning the Aras River, and several mausoleums. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, little monumental architecture was created, but distinctive residences were built in Baku and elsewhere. Among the most recent architectural monuments, the [[Baku Metro|Baku subways]] are noted for their lavish decor. The task for modern Azerbaijani architecture is diverse application of modern aesthetics, the search for an architect's own artistic style and inclusion of the existing historico-cultural environment. Major projects such as [[Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center]], [[Flame Towers]], [[Baku Crystal Hall]], [[Baku White City]] and [[SOCAR Tower]] have transformed the country's skyline and promotes its contemporary identity. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
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|
[
"Culture",
"Visual art"
]
| Azerbaijani art includes one of the oldest art objects in the world, which were discovered as [[Gamigaya Petroglyphs]] in the territory of [[Ordubad District]] are dated back to the 1st to 4th centuries BC. About 1500 dislodged and carved rock paintings with images of deer, goats, bulls, dogs, snakes, birds, fantastic beings and also people, carriages and various symbols had been found out on basalt rocks. Norwegian [[ethnographer]] and adventurer [[Thor Heyerdahl]] was convinced that people from the area went to [[Scandinavia]] in about 100 AD, took their boat building skills with them, and transmuted them into the Viking boats in Northern Europe. Over the centuries, Azerbaijani art has gone through many stylistic changes. Azerbaijani painting is traditionally characterized by a warmth of colour and light, as exemplified in the works of [[Azim Azimzade]] and [[Bahruz Kangarli]], and a preoccupation with religious figures and cultural motifs. Azerbaijani painting enjoyed preeminence in Caucasus for hundreds of years, from the [[Romanesque art|Romanesque]] and [[Culture of the Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] periods, and through the [[Socialist realism|Soviet]] and [[Baroque]] periods, the latter two of which saw fruition in Azerbaijan. Other notable artists who fall within these periods include [[Sattar Bahlulzade]], [[Togrul Narimanbekov]], [[Tahir Salahov]], [[Alakbar Rezaguliyev]], [[Mirza Gadim Iravani]], [[Mikayil Abdullayev]] and [[Boyukagha Mirzazade]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
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"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Cinema"
]
| The film industry in Azerbaijan dates back to 1898. In fact, Azerbaijan was among the first countries involved in [[cinematography]]. Therefore, it is not surprising that this apparatus soon showed up in [[Baku]] – at the start of the 20th century, this bay town on the [[Caspian Sea|Caspian]] was producing more than 50 percent of the world's supply of oil. Just like today, the oil industry attracted foreigners eager to invest and to work. In 1919, during the [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]], a documentary ''The Celebration of the Anniversary of Azerbaijani Independence'' was filmed on the first anniversary of Azerbaijan's independence from Russia, 27 May, and premiered in June 1919 at several theatres in Baku. After the Soviet power was established in 1920, Nariman Narimanov, Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of Azerbaijan, signed a decree nationalizing Azerbaijan's cinema. This also influenced the creation of [[Azerbaijani animation]]. In 1991, after Azerbaijan gained its independence from the Soviet Union, the first Baku International Film Festival East-West was held in Baku. In December 2000, the former President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, signed a decree proclaiming 2 August to be the professional holiday of filmmakers of Azerbaijan. Today Azerbaijani filmmakers are again dealing with issues similar to those faced by cinematographers prior to the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1920. Once again, both choices of content and sponsorship of films are largely left up to the initiative of the filmmaker. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Television"
]
| There are three state-owned television channels: [[AzTV]], [[Idman Azerbaijan TV|Idman TV]] and [[Medeniyyet TV]]. There is one public channel and 6 private channels: [[İctimai Television]], [[Space TV]], [[Lider TV]], [[Azad Azerbaijan TV]], [[:az:Xəzər TV|Xazar TV]], [[:az:Real TV (Azərbaycan)|Real TV]] and [[Region TV|ARB]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Human rights in Azerbaijan"
]
| The [[Constitution of Azerbaijan]] claims to guarantee freedom of speech, but this is denied in practice. After several years of decline in press and media freedom, in 2014, the media environment in Azerbaijan deteriorated rapidly under a governmental campaign to silence any opposition and criticism, even while the country led the Committee of Ministers of the [[Council of Europe]] (May–November 2014). Spurious legal charges and impunity in violence against journalists have remained the norm. All foreign broadcasts are banned in the country. According to the 2013 [[Freedom House]] [[Freedom of the Press (report)|Freedom of the Press report]], Azerbaijan's press freedom status is "not free," and Azerbaijan ranks 177th out of 196 countries. Christianity is officially recognized, but in practice it is often oppressed. All religious communities are required to register to be allowed to meet, under the risk of imprisonment. This registration is often denied. "Racial discrimination contributes to the country’s lack of religious freedom, since many of the Christians are ethnic Armenian or Russian, rather than Azeri Muslim." [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] and [[Voice of America]] are banned in Azerbaijan. Discrimination against [[LGBT rights in Azerbaijan|LGBT people]] in Azerbaijan is widespread. During the last few years, three journalists were killed and several prosecuted in trials described as unfair by international human rights organizations. Azerbaijan had the biggest number of journalists imprisoned in Europe in 2015, according to the [[Committee to Protect Journalists]], and is the 5th most censored country in the world, ahead of Iran and China. Some critical journalists have been [[COVID-19 misinformation#Efforts to combat misinformation|arrested]] for their coverage of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Azerbaijan]]. A report by an [[Amnesty International]] researcher in October 2015 points to '...the severe deterioration of human rights in Azerbaijan over the past few years. Sadly Azerbaijan has been allowed to get away with unprecedented levels of repression and in the process almost wipe out its civil society'. Amnesty's 2015/16 annual report on the country stated ' ... persecution of political dissent continued. Human rights organizations remained unable to resume their work. At least 18 prisoners of conscience remained in detention at the end of the year. Reprisals against independent journalists and activists persisted both in the country and abroad, while their family members also faced harassment and arrests. International human rights monitors were barred and expelled from the country. Reports of torture and other ill-treatment persisted. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Human rights in Azerbaijan"
]
| ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported in April 2017 that "Azerbaijan's ruling elite operated a secret $2.9bn (£2.2bn) scheme to pay prominent Europeans, buy luxury goods and launder money through a network of opaque British companies ... Leaked data shows that the Azerbaijani leadership, accused of serial human rights abuses, systemic corruption and rigging elections, made more than 16,000 covert payments from 2012 to 2014. Some of this money went to politicians and journalists, as part of an international lobbying operation to deflect criticism of Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, and to promote a positive image of his oil-rich country." There was no suggestion that all recipients were aware of the source of the money as it arrived via a disguised route. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Sport"
]
| Freestyle wrestling has been traditionally regarded as Azerbaijan's [[national sport]], in which Azerbaijan won up to [[Azerbaijan at the Olympics|fourteen medals]], including four golds since joining the [[International Olympic Committee]]. Currently, the most popular sports include [[association football|football]] and wrestling. Football is the most popular sport in Azerbaijan, and the [[Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan]] with 9,122 registered players, is the largest sporting association in the country. The [[Azerbaijan national football team|national football team]] of Azerbaijan demonstrates relatively low performance in the international arena compared to the nation football clubs. The most successful Azerbaijani football clubs are [[Neftchi Baku PFC|Neftchi Baku]], [[FK Qarabağ|Qarabağ]], and [[Gabala FK|Gabala]]. In [[2012–13 UEFA Europa League|2012]], Neftchi Baku became the first Azerbaijani team to advance to the group stage of a European competition, beating [[APOEL F.C.|APOEL]] of Cyprus 4–2 on aggregate in the play-off round of the [[2012–13 UEFA Europa League]]. In [[2014–15 UEFA Europa League|2014]], Qarabağ became the second Azerbaijani club advancing to the group stage of [[UEFA Europa League]]. In 2017, after beating [[F.C. Copenhagen|Copenhagen]] 2–2([[Away goals rule|a]]) in the play-off round of the [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]], Qarabağ became the first Azerbaijani club to reach the Group stage. [[Futsal]] is another popular sport in Azerbaijan. The [[Azerbaijan national futsal team]] reached fourth place in the [[2010 UEFA Futsal Championship]], while domestic club [[Araz Naxçivan]] clinched bronze medals at the [[2009–10 UEFA Futsal Cup]] and [[2013–14 UEFA Futsal Cup]]. Azerbaijan was the main sponsor of Spanish football club [[Atlético de Madrid]] during seasons 2013/2014 and 2014/2015, a partnership that the club described should 'promote the image of Azerbaijan in the world'. Azerbaijan is one of the traditional powerhouses of world chess, having hosted many international chess tournaments and competitions and became [[European Team Chess Championship]] winners in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Notable chess players from country's chess schools that made a great impact on the game in world, includes [[Teimour Radjabov]], [[Shahriyar Mammadyarov]], [[Vladimir Makogonov]], [[Vugar Gashimov]] and former [[World Chess Champion]] [[Garry Kasparov]]. , country's home of [[Shamkir Chess]] a category 22 event and one of the highest rated tournaments of all time. [[Backgammon]] also plays a major role in Azerbaijani culture. The game is very popular in Azerbaijan and is widely played among the local public. There are also different variations of backgammon developed and analyzed by Azerbaijani experts. [[Azerbaijan Women's Volleyball Super League]] is one of the strongest women leagues in the world. Its women's national team came fourth at the [[2005 Women's European Volleyball Championship|2005 European Championship]]. Over the last years, clubs like [[Rabita Baku]] and [[Azerrail Baku]] achieved great success at European cups. Azerbaijani volleyball players include likes of [[Valeriya Korotenko]], [[Oksana Parkhomenko]], [[Inessa Korkmaz]], [[Natalya Mammadova]] and [[Alla Hasanova]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[
"Culture",
"Sport"
]
| Other Azerbaijani athletes are [[Namig Abdullayev]], [[Toghrul Asgarov]], [[Rovshan Bayramov]], [[Sharif Sharifov]], [[Mariya Stadnik]] and [[Farid Mansurov]] in [[Amateur wrestling|wrestling]], [[Nazim Huseynov]], [[Elnur Mammadli]], [[Elkhan Mammadov (judoka)|Elkhan Mammadov]] and [[Rustam Orujov]] in judo, [[Rafael Aghayev]] in [[karate]], [[Magomedrasul Majidov]] and [[Aghasi Mammadov]] in [[boxing]], [[Nizami Pashayev]] in [[Olympic weightlifting]], [[Azad Asgarov]] in [[pankration]], [[Eduard Mammadov]] in kickboxing, and [[K-1]] fighter [[Zabit Samedov]]. Azerbaijan has a [[Baku City Circuit|Formula One race-track]], made in June 2012, and the country hosted its first [[2016 European Grand Prix|Formula One Grand Prix]] on 19 June 2016 and the [[Azerbaijan Grand Prix]] in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Other annual sporting events held in the country are the [[Baku Cup]] tennis tournament and the [[Tour d'Azerbaïdjan]] cycling race. Azerbaijan hosted several major sport competitions since the late 2000s, including the [[2013 F1 Powerboat World Championship season|2013 F1 Powerboat World Championship]], [[2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]], [[2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships]], [[2010 European Wrestling Championships]], [[2009 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships]], [[European Taekwondo Championships|2014 European Taekwondo Championships]], [[2014 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships]], and [[42nd Chess Olympiad|2016 World Chess Olympiad]]. On 8 December 2012, [[Baku]] was selected to host the [[2015 European Games]], the first to be held in the competition's history. Baku also hosted the fourth [[Islamic Solidarity Games]] in 2017, [[2019 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival]] and it is also one of the hosts of [[UEFA Euro 2020]]. | 746 | Azerbaijan | [
"Azerbaijan",
"Caucasus",
"Countries in Asia",
"Countries in Europe",
"Eastern European countries",
"Western Asian countries",
"Landlocked countries",
"Member states of the Turkic Council",
"Transcaucasia",
"Republics",
"Member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States",
"Member states of the Council of Europe",
"Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation",
"Member states of the United Nations",
"States and territories established in 1991",
"1991 establishments in Asia",
"1991 establishments in Europe",
"Azerbaijani-speaking countries and territories",
"Russian-speaking countries and territories",
"Transcontinental countries"
]
| [
"Outline of Azerbaijan",
"List of World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan",
"Index of Azerbaijan-related articles"
]
|
[]
| [[Image:Astronomy Amateur 3 V2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Amateur astronomers watch the night sky during the [[Perseids|Perseid]] meteor shower.]] '''Amateur astronomy''' is a [[hobby]] where participants enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the [[sky]] using the [[Naked eye|unaided eye]], [[binoculars]], or [[telescope]]. Even though scientific [[research]] may not be their primary goal, some amateur astronomers make contributions in doing [[citizen science]], such as by monitoring [[variable stars]], [[double stars]], [[sunspot]], or [[occultation]] of [[star]] by the [[Moon]] or [[asteroid]], or by discovering [[transient astronomical event]], such as [[comet]], galactic [[nova]] or [[supernova]] in other [[galaxy|galaxies]]. Amateur astronomers do not use the field of [[astronomy]] as their primary source of [[income]] or support, and usually have no [[professional degree]] in astrophysics or advanced academic training in the subject. Most amateurs are [[hobby]], while others have a high degree of experience in astronomy and may often assist and work alongside professional astronomers. Many astronomers have studied the sky throughout history in an amateur framework; however, since the beginning of the twentieth century, professional astronomy has become an activity clearly distinguished from amateur astronomy and associated activities. Amateur astronomers typically view the [[sky]] at night, when most celestial objects and astronomical events are visible, but others observe during the daytime by viewing the [[Sun]] and [[solar eclipse]]. Some just look at the sky using nothing more than their eyes or [[binoculars]], but more dedicated amateurs often use portable [[optical telescope|telescopes]] or telescopes situated in their private or club [[observatory|observatories]]. Amateurs can also join as members of amateur [[astronomical society|astronomical societies]], which can advise, educate or guide them towards ways of finding and observing celestial objects. They can also promote the science of astronomy among the general public. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Objectives"
]
| Collectively, amateur astronomers observe a variety of celestial objects and [[phenomenon|phenomena]]. Common targets of amateur astronomers include the [[Sun]], the [[Moon]], [[planet]], [[star]], [[comet]], [[meteor shower]], and a variety of [[deep sky object]] such as [[star cluster]], [[galaxy|galaxies]], and [[nebula]]. Many amateurs like to specialise in observing particular objects, types of objects, or types of events which interest them. One branch of amateur astronomy, amateur [[astrophotography]], involves the taking of photos of the night sky. Astrophotography has become more popular with the introduction of far easier to use equipment including, digital cameras, DSLR cameras and relatively sophisticated purpose built high quality [[CCD camera]]. Most amateur astronomers work at visible [[electromagnetic spectrum|wavelengths]], but a small minority experiment with wavelengths outside the [[visible spectrum]]. An early pioneer of [[radio astronomy]] was [[Grote Reber]], an amateur astronomer who constructed the first purpose built [[radio telescope]] in the late 1930s to follow up on the discovery of [[radio frequency|radio wavelength]] emissions from space by [[Karl Guthe Jansky|Karl Jansky]]. Non-visual amateur astronomy includes the use of [[infrared filter]] on conventional telescopes, and also the use of [[radio telescope]]. Some amateur astronomers use home-made radio telescopes, while others use radio telescopes that were originally built for astronomical research but have since been made available for use by amateurs. The [[One-Mile Telescope]] is one such example. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common tools"
]
| Amateur astronomers use a range of instruments to study the [[sky]], depending on a combination of their interests and resources. Methods include simply looking at the night sky with the [[naked eye]], using [[binoculars]], and using a variety of [[optical telescope]] of varying power and quality, as well as additional sophisticated equipment, such as [[camera]], to study light from the sky in both the visual and non-visual parts of the [[electromagnetic spectrum|spectrum]]. Commercial telescopes are available, new and used, but it is also common for amateur astronomers to build (or commission the building of) their own custom telescopes. Some people even focus on [[amateur telescope making]] as their primary interest within the hobby of amateur astronomy. Although specialized and experienced amateur astronomers tend to acquire more specialized and more powerful equipment over time, relatively simple equipment is often preferred for certain tasks. Binoculars, for instance, although generally of lower power than the majority of telescopes, also tend to provide a wider [[field of view]], which is preferable for looking at some objects in the night sky. Amateur astronomers also use [[star chart]] that, depending on experience and intentions, may range from simple [[planisphere]] through to detailed charts of very specific areas of the night sky. A range of astronomy software is available and used by amateur astronomers, including software that generates maps of the sky, software to assist with astrophotography, observation scheduling software, and software to perform various calculations pertaining to astronomical phenomena. Amateur astronomers often like to keep records of their observations, which usually takes the form of an observing log. Observing logs typically record details about which objects were observed and when, as well as describing the details that were seen. Sketching is sometimes used within logs, and photographic records of observations have also been used in recent times. The information gathered is used to help studies and interactions between amateur astronomers in yearly gatherings. Although not professional information or credible, it is a way for the hobby lovers to share their new sightings and experiences. The popularity of imaging among amateurs has led to large numbers of web sites being written by individuals about their images and equipment. Much of the social interaction of amateur astronomy occurs on mailing lists or discussion groups. Discussion group servers host numerous astronomy lists. A great deal of the commerce of amateur astronomy, the buying and selling of equipment, occurs online. Many amateurs use online tools to plan their nightly observing sessions, using tools such as the [[Clear Sky Chart]]. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques"
]
| While a number of interesting celestial objects are readily identified by the naked eye, sometimes with the aid of a star chart, many others are so faint or inconspicuous that technical means are necessary to locate them. Although many methods are used in amateur astronomy, most are variations of a few specific techniques. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"Star hopping"
]
| '''Star hopping''' is a method often used by amateur astronomers with low-tech equipment such as binoculars or a manually driven telescope. It involves the use of maps (or memory) to locate known landmark stars, and "hopping" between them, often with the aid of a [[finderscope]]. Because of its simplicity, star hopping is a very common method for finding objects that are close to naked-eye stars. More advanced methods of locating objects in the sky include [[telescope mount]] with ''setting circles'', which assist with pointing telescopes to positions in the sky that are known to contain objects of interest, and ''GOTO telescopes'', which are fully automated telescopes that are capable of locating objects on demand (having first been [[calibration|calibrated]]). | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"Mobile apps"
]
| The advent of [[mobile app]] for use in [[smartphones]] has led to the creation of many dedicated apps. These apps allow any user to easily locate celestial objects of interest by simply pointing the smartphone device in that direction in the sky. These apps make use of the inbuilt hardware in the phone, such as [[GPS]] location and [[gyroscope]]. Useful information about the pointed object like [[celestial coordinates]], the name of the object, its constellation, etc. are provided for a quick reference. Some paid versions give more information. These apps are gradually getting into regular use during observing, for the alignment process of telescopes. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"Setting circles"
]
| '''Setting circles''' are [[angular measurement]] scales that can be placed on the two main [[Rotation around a fixed axis|rotation axes]] of some telescopes. Since the widespread adoption of digital setting circles, any classical engraved setting circle is now specifically identified as an "analog setting circle" (ASC). By knowing the [[coordinate]] of an object (usually given in [[equatorial coordinates]]), the telescope user can use the setting circle to align (i.e., point) the telescope in the appropriate direction before looking through its [[eyepiece]]. A computerized setting circle is called a "digital setting circle" (DSC). Although digital setting circles can be used to display a telescope's [[right ascension|RA]] and [[declination|Dec]] coordinates, they are not simply a digital read-out of what can be seen on the telescope's analog setting circles. As with go-to telescopes, digital setting circle computers (commercial names include Argo Navis, Sky Commander, and NGC Max) contain databases of tens of thousands of celestial objects and projections of planet positions. To find a celestial object in a telescope equipped with a DSC computer, one does not need to look up the specific RA and Dec coordinates in a book or other resource, and then adjust the telescope to those numerical readings. Rather, the object is chosen from the electronic database, which causes distance values and arrow markers to appear in the display that indicate the distance and direction to move the telescope. The telescope is moved until the two angular distance values reach zero, indicating that the telescope is properly aligned. When both the RA and Dec axes are thus "zeroed out", the object should be in the eyepiece. Many DSCs, like go-to systems, can also work in conjunction with laptop sky programs. Computerized systems provide the further advantage of computing coordinate precession. Traditional printed sources are subtitled by the [[Epoch (astronomy)|''epoch'' year]], which refers to the positions of celestial objects at a given time to the nearest year (e.g., J2005, J2007). Most such printed sources have been updated for intervals of only about every fifty years (e.g., J1900, J1950, J2000). Computerized sources, on the other hand, are able to calculate the right ascension and declination of the "epoch of date" to the exact instant of observation. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"GoTo telescopes"
]
| '''GOTO telescopes''' have become more popular since the 1980s as technology has improved and prices have been reduced. With these computer-driven telescopes, the user typically enters the name of the item of interest and the mechanics of the telescope point the telescope towards that item automatically. They have several notable advantages for amateur astronomers intent on [[research]]. For example, GOTO telescopes tend to be faster for locating items of interest than star hopping, allowing more time for studying of the object. GOTO also allows manufacturers to add equatorial tracking to mechanically simpler alt-azimuth telescope mounts, allowing them to produce an overall less expensive product. GOTO telescopes usually have to be calibrated using alignment stars in order to provide accurate tracking and positioning. However, several telescope manufacturers have recently developed telescope systems that are calibrated with the use of built-in GPS, decreasing the time it takes to set up a telescope at the start of an observing session. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"Remote-controlled telescopes"
]
| With the development of fast Internet in the last part of the 20th century along with advances in computer controlled telescope mounts and CCD cameras "Remote Telescope" astronomy is now a viable means for amateur astronomers not aligned with major telescope facilities to partake in research and deep sky imaging. This enables anyone to control a telescope a great distance away in a dark location. The observer can image through the telescope using CCD cameras. The digital data collected by the telescope is then transmitted and displayed to the user by means of the Internet. An example of a digital remote telescope operation for public use via the Internet is the [[Bareket observatory]], and there are telescope farms in [[New Mexico]], [[Australia]] and [[Atacama Desert#Astronomical observatories|Atacama]] in Chile. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Common techniques",
"Imaging techniques"
]
| Amateur astronomers engage in many imaging techniques including [[film]], [[DSLR]], [[LRGB]], and [[charge-coupled device|CCD]] [[astrophotography]]. Because CCD imagers are linear, [[image processing]] may be used to subtract away the effects of light pollution, which has increased the popularity of astrophotography in urban areas. Narrowband filters may also be used to minimize light pollution. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Scientific research"
]
| Scientific [[research]] is most often not the ''main'' goal for many amateur astronomers, unlike professional astronomers. Work of scientific merit is possible, however, and many amateurs successfully contribute to the knowledge base of professional astronomers. Astronomy is sometimes promoted as one of the few remaining sciences for which amateurs can still contribute useful data. To recognize this, the [[Astronomical Society of the Pacific]] annually gives [[Amateur Achievement Award of Astronomical Society of the Pacific|Amateur Achievement Awards]] for significant contributions to astronomy by amateurs. The majority of scientific contributions by amateur astronomers are in the area of data collection. In particular, this applies where large numbers of amateur astronomers with small telescopes are more effective than the relatively small number of large telescopes that are available to professional astronomers. Several organizations, such as the [[American Association of Variable Star Observers]] and the [[British Astronomical Association]], exist to help coordinate these contributions. Amateur astronomers often contribute toward activities such as monitoring the changes in brightness of [[variable star]] and [[supernova]], helping to track [[asteroid]], and observing [[occultation]] to determine both the shape of asteroids and the shape of the terrain on the apparent edge of the [[Moon]] as seen from Earth. With more advanced equipment, but still cheap in comparison to professional setups, amateur astronomers can measure the light spectrum emitted from astronomical objects, which can yield high-quality scientific data if the measurements are performed with due care. A relatively recent role for amateur astronomers is searching for overlooked phenomena (e.g., [[Kreutz Sungrazers]]) in the vast libraries of digital images and other data captured by Earth and space based observatories, much of which is available over the Internet. In the past and present, amateur astronomers have played a major role in discovering new [[comet]]. Recently however, funding of projects such as the [[LINEAR|Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research]] and [[Near Earth Asteroid Tracking]] projects has meant that most comets are now discovered by automated systems long before it is possible for amateurs to see them. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Societies"
]
| There are a large number of amateur [[astronomical society|astronomical societies]] around the world, that serve as a meeting point for those interested in amateur astronomy. Members range from active observers with their own equipment to "armchair astronomers" who are simply interested in the topic. Societies range widely in their goals and activities, which may depend on a variety of factors such as geographic spread, local circumstances, size, and membership. For example, a small local society located in dark countryside may focus on practical observing and [[star parties]], whereas a large one based in a major city might have numerous members but be limited by [[light pollution]] and thus hold regular indoor meetings with guest speakers instead. Major national or international societies generally publish their own [[Academic journal|journal]] or [[newsletter]], and some hold large multi-day meetings akin to a [[scientific conference]] or [[convention (meeting)|convention]]. They may also have sections devoted to particular topics, such as [[lunar observation]] or [[amateur telescope making]]. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Notable amateur astronomers"
]
| (-) [[George Alcock]], discovered several comets and novae. (-) [[Thomas Bopp]], shared the discovery of [[Comet Hale-Bopp]] in 1995 with unemployed PhD physicist [[Alan Hale (astronomer)|Alan Hale]]. (-) [[Robert Burnham Jr.]] (1931–1993), author of the ''Celestial Handbook''. (-) [[Andrew Ainslie Common]] (1841–1903), built his own very large reflecting telescopes and demonstrated that photography could record astronomical features invisible to the human eye. (-) [[Robert E. Cox]] (1917–1989) who conducted the "Gleanings for ATMs" column in ''[[Sky & Telescope]]'' magazine for 21 years. (-) [[John Dobson (amateur astronomer)|John Dobson]] (1915–2014), whose name is associated with the [[Dobsonian telescope]]. (-) [[Robert Evans (astronomer)|Robert Owen Evans]] is an amateur astronomer who holds the all-time record for visual discoveries of [[supernova]]. (-) [[Clinton B. Ford]] (1913–1992), who specialized in the observation of [[variable stars]]. (-) [[John Ellard Gore]] (1845–1910), who specialized in the observation of [[variable stars]]. (-) [[Edward Halbach]] (1909–2011), who specialized in the observation of [[variable stars]]. (-) [[Will Hay]], the famous comedian and actor, who discovered a white spot on Saturn. (-) [[Walter Scott Houston]] (1912–1993) who wrote the "Deep-Sky Wonders" column in ''[[Sky & Telescope]]'' magazine for almost 50 years. (-) [[Albert Graham Ingalls|Albert G. Ingalls]] (1888–1958), editor of ''Amateur Telescope Making, Vols. 1–3'' and "[[The Amateur Scientist]]". (-) [[Peter Jalowiczor]] (born in 1966) discovered four exoplanets (-) [[David H. Levy]] discovered or co-discovered 22 comets including [[Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9]], the most for any individual. (-) [[Terry Lovejoy]] discovered five comets in the 21st century and developed modifications to DSLR cameras for astrophotography. (-) [[Patrick Moore|Sir Patrick Moore]] (1923–2012), presenter of the BBC's long-running ''[[The Sky at Night]]'' and author of many books on astronomy. (-) [[Leslie Peltier]] (1900–1980), a prolific discoverer of comets and well-known observer of variable stars. (-) [[John M. Pierce]] (1886–1958) was one of the founders of the [[Russell W. Porter#Springfield Telescope Makers|Springfield Telescope Makers]]. (-) [[Russell W. Porter]] (1871–1949) founded [[Stellafane]] and has been referred to as the "founder" (-) [[Grote Reber]] (1911–2002), pioneer of [[radio astronomy]] constructing the first purpose built [[radio telescope]] and conducted the first [[astronomical survey|sky survey]] in the radio frequency. (-) [[Isaac Roberts]] (1829–1904), early experimenter in astronomical photography. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Discoveries with major contributions by amateur astronomers"
]
| (-) [[Cygnus A]] (1939) is a radio galaxy and one of the strongest radio sources on the sky. (-) Dramatic period decrease in [[T Ursae Minoris]] using [[AAVSO]] observations (1995) (-) [[McNeil's Nebula]] (2004) is a variable nebula (-) [[XO-1b]] (2006) is an exoplanet (-) tidal streams around [[NGC 5907]] (2008) (-) [[Hanny's Voorwerp|Voorwerpjes]] (2009) is a type of quasar ionization echo. (-) [[Pea galaxy|Pea Galaxies]] (2009) are a type of galaxy. (-) Most recent (2010) outburst of [[U Scorpii]] (-) [[Kronberger 61]] (2011) is a planetary nebula. (-) [[List of spiral DRAGNs|Speca]] (2011) is a spiral galaxy containing contain [[DRAGN]] (Double Radio-source Associated with Galactic Nucleus). (-) [[2011 HM102]] (2013) is a [[Neptune trojan|Neptune Trojan]]. (-) [[PH1b]] (2013) is an extrasolar planet in a circumbinary orbit in a quadruple star system. (-) [[Kepler-86|PH2b]] (2013) is an extrasolar gas giant planet located in its parent star's habitable zone. (-) [[List of spiral DRAGNs|J1649+2635]] (2014) is a spiral galaxy containing contain DRAGNs (Double Radio-source Associated with Galactic Nucleus). (-) [[Yellowballs]] (2015) are a type of compact star-forming region. (-) [[9Spitch]] (2015) is a distant gravitationally lensed galaxy with high star-forming rate. (-) [[Sculptor Galaxy#Satellite|NGC 253-dw2]] (2016) is a dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy candidate undergoing [[Tidal force|tidal disruption]] around the nearby galaxy NGC 253. The galaxy was discovered by an amateur astronomer with a small-aperture amateur telescope. (-) [[Tabby's Star|KIC 8462852]] (2016) is an F-type star showing unusual dimming events. (-) [[HD 74389]] (2016) contains a debris disk. It is the first debris disk discovered around a star with a companion [[white dwarf]]. (-) [[AWI0005x3s]] (2016) is the oldest M-dwarf with a debris disk detected in a moving group at the time of the discovery. (-) [[PSR J1913+1102]] (2016) is a binary neutron star with the highest total mass at the time of the discovery. (-) [[Donatiello I]] (2016) a nearby spheroidal dwarf galaxy discovered by the Italian amateur astronomer Giuseppe Donatiello. It is also the first galaxy to be named after an amateur astronomer. (-) [[Exocomet#Observation|Transiting Exocomets]] (2017) are comets in an extrasolar system blocking some of the starlight while transiting in front of the extra-solar star. (-) [[K2-138]] (2018) is a planetary system with five confirmed planets in an unbroken 3:2-resonance chain. (-) [[NGC 613|Supernova 2016gkg]] (2018) was observed by an amateur astronomer shortly after it began to erupt. (-) [[PSR J1744−7619]] (2018) is the first Pulsar to be detected only in gamma-rays and not in radio-waves. (-) [[Steve (atmospheric phenomenon)|STEVE]] (2018) is an atmospheric phenomenon. (-) [[K2-288Bb]] (2019) is an extrasolar planet in the habitable zone around a M-star, which belongs to a binary system. (-) [[LSPM J0207+3331]] (2019) is an old white dwarf containing a debris disk with two components. (-) [[2I/Borisov|Interstellar Comet 2I/Borisov]] (2019) is the first interstellar comet. (-) [[Kojima-1Lb]] (confirmed in 2019) is a Neptune-sized exoplanet discovered by an amateur astronomer with the [[Gravitational microlensing|microlensing]] method. Kojima-1 is the brightest microlensing host discovered. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Discoveries with major contributions by amateur astronomers"
]
| (-) [[W2150AB|WISE2150-7520AB]] (2019/2020) is a pair of [[brown dwarf]] with the lowest binding energy at a total mass smaller than 0.1 solar masses not associated with a young cluster. (-) GJ 3470 c (2020) is the first exoplanet candidate completely discovered by amateurs. Unlike Peter Jalowiczor, Kojima-1Lb and XO-1b, GJ 3470 c was fully discovered by an amateur in a project led by amateur astronomers. (-) Pisces VII/Triangulum IIII (Psc VIII/Tri III) is an ultrafaint dwarf galaxy in Messier 31 system, a possible satellite of Messier 33. It is the second discovery credited to the Italian amateur astronomer Giuseppe Donatiello, already discoverer of the dwarf galaxy Donatiello I. | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[
"Prizes recognizing amateur astronomers"
]
| (-) [[Amateur Achievement Award of Astronomical Society of the Pacific]] (-) [[Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award]] | 748 | Amateur astronomy | [
"Amateur astronomy",
"Articles containing video clips",
"Citizen science"
]
| [
"List of astronomical societies",
"Astronomical object",
"Skygazing",
"Star party",
"Observational astronomy",
"Sidewalk astronomy",
"Caldwell catalogue",
"Clear Sky Chart",
"Observation",
"List of telescope parts and construction",
"Messier catalogue"
]
|
[]
| , is a [[gendai budō|modern]] [[Japanese martial art]] that is split into many different styles, including [[Iwama Ryu]], [[Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai]], [[Shodokan Aikido]], [[Yoshinkan]], [[Aikikai]] and [[Ki Aikido]]. Aikido is now practiced in around 140 countries. It was originally developed by [[Morihei Ueshiba]], as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers from injury. Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) [[Qi|life energy]]" or as "the way of harmonious spirit". According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness. Morihei Ueshiba used the phrase ("true victory, final victory over oneself, here and now") to refer to this principle. Aikido's fundamental principles include: [[irimi]] (entering), [[atemi]], (breathing control), (triangular principle) and [[tenkan]] (turning) movements that redirect the opponent's attack [[momentum]]. Its curriculum comprises various techniques, primarily [[Throw (grappling)|throw]] and [[joint lock]]. It also includes a weapons system encompassing the ''[[bokken]]'', ''[[tantō]]'' and ''[[jō]]''. Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]], but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the [[Ōmoto-kyō]] religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term . Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending partly on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"Etymology and basic philosophy"
]
| The word "aikido" is formed of three [[kanji]]: (-) – ''ai'' – harmony, unifying (-) – ''ki'' – energy, spirit (-) – ''dō'' – way, path The term ''[[Aiki (martial arts principle)|aiki]]'' does not readily appear in the Japanese language outside the scope of [[budō]]. This has led to many possible interpretations of the word. is mainly used in compounds to mean 'combine, unite, join together, meet', examples being (combined/united), (composition), (unite/combine/join together), (union/alliance/association), (combine/unify), and (mutual agreement). There is an idea of [[Norm of reciprocity|reciprocity]], (to get to know one another), (talk/discussion/negotiation), and (meet by appointment). is often used to describe a feeling or emotive action, as in ('I feel X', as in terms of thinking but with less cognitive reasoning), and (feeling/sensation); it is used to mean energy or force, as in (electricity) and (magnetism); it can also refer to qualities or aspects of people or things, as in (spirit/trait/temperament). The characters aeteological history can be traced back to the much older Chinese character of qi [[Qi|氣]] that is used extensively in [[Traditional Chinese medicine]] and [[Acupuncture|acupunture]]. The term in Aikido is derived from the word [[Tao]], 道 in Chinese, and is found in many other Japanese martial arts such as, [[judo]] and [[kendo]], and in various non-martial arts, such as [[Japanese calligraphy]] (), [[ikebana|flower arranging]] () and [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremony]] (). Therefore, from a purely literal interpretation, aikido is the "Way of combining forces" or "Way of unifying energy", in which the term ''aiki'' refers to the martial arts principle or tactic of blending with an attacker's movements for the purpose of controlling their actions with minimal effort. One applies by understanding the rhythm and intent of the attacker to find the optimal position and timing to apply a counter-technique. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"History"
]
| Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba ( , 1883–1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as (''Great Teacher''). The term ''aikido'' was coined in the twentieth century. Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the that Ueshiba studied into a variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"History",
"Initial development"
]
| Ueshiba developed aikido primarily during the late 1920s through the 1930s through the synthesis of the older martial arts that he had studied. The core martial art from which aikido derives is [[Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu]], which Ueshiba studied directly with [[Takeda Sōkaku]], the reviver of that art. Additionally, Ueshiba is known to have studied [[Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū]] with Tozawa Tokusaburō in [[Tokyo]] in 1901, [[Yagyū Shingan-ryū|Gotōha Yagyū Shingan-ryū]] under Nakai Masakatsu in [[Sakai, Osaka|Sakai]] from 1903 to 1908, and [[judo]] with Kiyoichi Takagi ( , 1894–1972) in [[Tanabe]] in 1911. The art of is the primary technical influence on aikido. Along with empty-handed throwing and joint-locking techniques, Ueshiba incorporated training movements with weapons, such as those for the [[spear]] (), short [[Stick fighting|staff]] (), and possibly the . Aikido also derives much of its technical structure from the art of swordsmanship (). Ueshiba moved to [[Hokkaidō]] in 1912, and began studying under Takeda Sokaku in 1915; His official association with Daitō-ryū continued until 1937. However, during the latter part of that period, Ueshiba had already begun to distance himself from Takeda and the . At that time Ueshiba referred to his martial art as "'''Aiki Budō'''". It is unclear exactly when Ueshiba began using the name "aikido", but it became the official name of the art in 1942 when the Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society () was engaged in a government sponsored reorganization and centralization of Japanese martial arts. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"History",
"Religious influences"
]
| After Ueshiba left Hokkaidō in 1919, he met and was profoundly influenced by [[Onisaburo Deguchi]], the spiritual leader of the [[Ōmoto-kyō]] religion (a neo-[[Shinto]] movement) in [[Ayabe]]. One of the primary features of Ōmoto-kyō is its emphasis on the attainment of [[utopia]] during one's life. This idea was a great influence on Ueshiba's martial arts philosophy of extending love and compassion especially to those who seek to harm others. Aikido demonstrates this philosophy in its emphasis on mastering martial arts so that one may receive an attack and harmlessly redirect it. In an ideal resolution, not only is the receiver unharmed, but so is the attacker. In addition to the effect on his spiritual growth, the connection with Deguchi gave Ueshiba entry to elite political and military circles as a martial artist. As a result of this exposure, he was able to attract not only financial backing but also gifted students. Several of these students would found their own styles of aikido. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"History",
"International dissemination"
]
| Aikido was first introduced to the rest of the world in 1951 by [[Minoru Mochizuki]] with a visit to [[France]], where he demonstrated aikido techniques to judo students. He was followed by [[Tadashi Abe]] in 1952, who came as the official [[Aikikai]] Hombu representative, remaining in France for seven years. [[Kenji Tomiki]] toured with a delegation of various martial arts through 15 continental states of the United States in 1953. Later that year, [[Koichi Tohei]] was sent by Aikikai Hombu to [[Hawaii]] for a full year, where he set up several [[dōjō]]. This trip was followed by several subsequent visits and is considered the formal introduction of aikido to the United States. The United Kingdom followed in 1955; Italy in 1964 by [[Hiroshi Tada]]; and Germany in 1965 by [[Katsuaki Asai]]. Designated the "Official Delegate for Europe and Africa" by Morihei Ueshiba, [[Masamichi Noro]] arrived in France in September 1961. [[Seiichi Sugano]] was appointed to introduce aikido to Australia in 1965. Today there are aikido dōjō throughout the world. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"History",
"Proliferation of independent organizations"
]
| The largest aikido organization is the [[Aikikai Foundation]], which remains under the control of the Ueshiba family. However, aikido has developed into many styles, most of which were formed by Morihei Ueshiba's major students. The earliest independent styles to emerge were [[Yoseikan Aikido]], begun by [[Minoru Mochizuki]] in 1931, [[Yoshinkan]] Aikido, founded by [[Gozo Shioda]] in 1955, and [[Shodokan Aikido]], founded by [[Kenji Tomiki]] in 1967. The emergence of these styles pre-dated Ueshiba's death and did not cause any major upheavals when they were formalized. Shodokan Aikido, however, was controversial, since it introduced a unique rule-based competition that some felt was contrary to the spirit of aikido. After Ueshiba's death in 1969, two more major styles emerged. Significant controversy arose with the departure of the [[Aikikai Hombu Dojo]]'s chief instructor [[Koichi Tohei]], in 1974. Tohei left as a result of a disagreement with the son of the founder, [[Kisshomaru Ueshiba]], who at that time headed the Aikikai Foundation. The disagreement was over the proper role of development in regular aikido training. After Tohei left, he formed his own style, called [[Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido]], and the organization that governs it, the [[Ki Society]] (). A final major style evolved from Ueshiba's retirement in [[Iwama, Ibaraki]] and the teaching methodology of long term student [[Morihiro Saito]]. It is unofficially referred to as the "[[Iwama style]]", and at one point a number of its followers formed a loose network of schools they called [[Iwama Ryu]]. Although Iwama style practitioners remained part of the Aikikai until Saito's death in 2002, followers of Saito subsequently split into two groups. One remained with the Aikikai and the other formed the independent [[Shinshin Aikishuren Kai]] in 2004 around Saito's son [[Hitohiro Saito]]. Today, the major styles of aikido are each run by a separate governing organization, have their own in Japan, and are taught throughout the world. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
[
"Ki"
]
| The study of ''[[Qi|ki]]'' is an important component of aikido. The term does not specifically refer to either physical or mental training, as it encompasses both. The ''[[kanji]]'' for was written in its older form as up until the Japanese governmental [[Tōyō kanji|writing reforms after World War II]], and now is more prevalently seen in its modern form of . This form has the removal of the eight directions denoting the pre and post natal energies of genki 元氣(Chinese – [[Yuanqi|yuán ''qì'']] ) also known in the Art of Aikido as "Source energy". The character for is used in everyday Japanese terms, such as , or . has many meanings, including "ambience", "mind", "mood", or "intention and action", however, in traditional martial arts and medicine it is often referred to in its more general terminology as "life energy". [[Gozo Shioda]]'s [[Yoshinkan]] Aikido, considered one of the "hard styles", largely follows Ueshiba's teachings from before World War II, and surmises that the secret to lies in timing and the application of the whole body's strength to a single point. In later years, Ueshiba's application of in aikido took on a softer, more gentle feel. This concept was known as [[Takemusu]] Aiki, and many of his later students teach about from this perspective. [[Koichi Tohei]]'s [[Ki Society]] centers almost exclusively around the study of the [[empirical]] (albeit subjective) experience of , with students' proficiency in aikido techniques and development ranked separately. | 751 | Aikido | [
"Aikido",
"Japanese martial arts",
"Dō",
"Articles containing video clips"
]
| []
|
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