Favorable environment of Azerbaijan - abundance of animals and a variety of plants, a warm climate of savanna - drew attention of the person from an extreme antiquity. In the Stone Age the person has occupied caves in mountains of Small and Big caucasus. Azerbaijan is rich with archaeological monuments since an epoch of a paleolith before the late Middle Ages. The fertile earths irrigated with waters of the Hen and Araks, the earths combining mountain chains with extensive fertile plains, from the Stone Age favoured up to now to development of cattle breeding, agriculture, craft. Many monuments in territory of Azerbaijan have the big scientific value for studying of ancient history of all caucasus and Forward Asia.
From several tens monuments of an epoch of the Stone Age in Azerbaijan caves (Azyh, Taglar, Dashsalahly, Damdzhyly and SHusha) are interesting. The centres have been found In caves Azyh and Avejdag. The Azyhsky cave on the left coast of the river Kuruchaj at the city of Fizuli is unique. Here the fragment of the bottom jaw of the most ancient person in territory of the former USSR - azyhantropa, living approximately is found 300 000 years ago, it is stored in the Museum of History of Azerbaijan (MIA). To stone tools Kuruchajsky galechnoj cultures - more than 1 million 200 thousand years. It has similarity with Olduvajsky galechnoj culture of East Africa. In 3 km from Azyhsky the Taglarsky cave - musterskaja parking of the ancient person living some tens thousand years ago is located. Numerous finds of bones of animals in Taglare say that ancient people were engaged in hunting. In collection MIA are stone and obsidianovye tools of work of an epoch of the Stone Age, found on territory of Azerbaijan.
Galleries of rock paintings in mountains of the Big and Small caucasus, opened in Gobustane (50-60 km from Baku), in Kelbadzhare and Gemigae - the certificate of a life of ancient people, plots from a life of our ancestors in VIII-II thousand BC In Gobustane ("edge of beams and ravines") are found not only rock drawings of people and animals surrounding them, but also podskalnye refuges, chashechnye deepenings on the rocks, serving for gathering of a rain, sacrifices, cooking, and also "board games" on stones. Tools of work and ware from a stone of an epoch of the new Stone Age are found on all republic - at excavation at the cities of Nahchyvan, Gandzha, Astara, the Kazakh, in Hanlarsky area.
The ancient earths of Azerbaijan adjoined the states drevnevostochnyh cultures (assiro-Babylon, mido-Iranian, urartskoj, akkado-Sumer), inhabitants of Transcaucasia communicated with representatives hetto-mitannijskoj, the Greek-Roman cultures. Before occurrence of the ancient states the person already erected the first dwellings in Azerbaijan - inhabited round constructions from a brick in SHomutepe in Astarinsky area (VI-IV thousand BC), rectangular constructions in settlement Tojretepe, dugouts in the Woman-dervishe (IV-III thousand BC). Tribes grew up wheat, barley, were engaged in house craft: manufacturing of bone and stone tools, potter's business, weaving, processing of a skin, a tree, building business. Clay miniatures of women have been found in settlement the Woman-dervish, a bull diskovidnye models of wheels. Religious representations, judging by funeral monuments, clay figures of women, have been connected with a fertility cult.
The Nakhichevan culture rich with painted ceramics (jugs with the handle, "teapots"), is dated IV-II in the millenium BC In territory of Nahchyvansky edge during an epoch of average bronze have arisen the big strengthened settlements with the developed culture (Kjultepe II, Oglankala, Galadzhyg, CHalhankala, Gjavurkala (SHahtahty), Vajhyr-Gjavurkala). Agriculture, cattle breeding, mining, craft were the basic branches of an economy. In agriculture existed pluzhnoe agriculture, wine growing and winemaking, sheep breeding. Craft branches: metal working, potter's business, weaving and others.
The hodzhaly-Kedabeksky culture in uplands of Small caucasus and right-bank lowland of a valley of the river of the Hen has amazed archeologists with various funeral monuments, barrows. Menhirs, tsiklopicheskie constructions are found kromlehi. Finds of the bronze weapon, household subjects, ornaments date this culture an epoch of late bronze and early iron (XIV-VII centuries BC). Among ornaments - a beads from a cornelian, pastes, bones, a stone, bronze products. Iron-wares - tips of copies, knifes, daggers. The stone ware, products from a bone and a tree, ceramics with an ornament from vreznyh lines and drawings is found. Tribes of Hodzhaly-Kedabeksky culture were engaged pluzhnym in agriculture, otgonnym cattle breeding (including horse breeding). Metallurgy has been enough developed.
Archaeological Talysh-Mugansky culture of an epoch of late bronze - early iron (XIV-VII centuries BC) - funeral monuments in mountain part Talysha, in the south of Mugani. Swords, daggers of several types, axes, tips of copies, ornament subjects, ceramics of black colour are found In burials uzkolezvijnye, is frequent glossy and ornamentirovannaja lines.
The state system of Azerbaijan has started to be formed in IX century B.C. The territory to the south from lake Urmia where there was a kernel of the ancient state kutiev and lullubeev the God-send, carried name Zamua. Tsars of the God-send managed to attach to the earths many tribes and their earths to the south and the east from lake Urmia (VII century BC). In a god-send there were the cities enclosed with fortifications, palace and civil constructions, craft quarters. The God-send people stood on enough high step of development. In the God-send owned metal working, iron, copper, silver, gold were known. The state shared on areas and the districts operated deputies. In reply to strengthening of positions of the God-send, Assyrian tsar Ashshurbanapal (668-633 BC) has made the successful campaign in the God-send, has grasped many fortresses, has destroyed and has betrayed to fire God-send capital - the city of Izirtu. It has strongly weakened the God-send.
In 626 BC Babylonia and neighbours of the God-send - midjane, adjoined to vavilonjanam, - have risen against Scythians and have created the state led by Kiaksarom (625-584 BC). The god-send, having united with assyrians, tried to resist to intrusion of Babylon tsar Nabopalasara into 616 BC, but has suffered defeat. The mussel grasps the God-send and beats out Scythians to the North Caucasus. The god-send remained as a part of the Mussel before its falling in 550 year BC Official religion of the Mussel was zoroastrizm. People used fire, worshipped to fire, considered fire sacred because of self-ignition of natural gas leaving from under the earth and oil. From the Mussel there were trading ways to Urartu, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Central Asia, India. But the Mussel was weak association subordinated midijtsami tribes. Having risen, the Persian tribes have won the Mussel, having created Ahemenidsky empire.
The Ahemenidsky empire of Persians has existed more than two centuries and has fallen under Alexander the Great blows in the thirties IV century BC By time of a campaign of Alexander the Great for the East, Atropat was the satrap of the Mussel and in fight at Gavgamelah (331 BC) Was on the party of Persian tsar Darija III against Alexander the Great. After wreck of Ahemenidsky empire and Alexander the Great victory, Atropat has come over to his side and has received in management the former satrapy - Small (northern) Mussel, or the Atropatijsky Mussel. With the beginning of section of empire of Alexander the Great after his death, Atropat became tsar Atropateny (Greek), or Aturpatakana (Persian), subsequently Azerbijdzhana (Arabian) - that meant "the country, the keeper of fire". Borders Atropateny in the north reached the river Araks. Independent Atropatena has existed five centuries prior to the beginning of III century AD, it has not been broken yet by Sasanidsky Iran. The general atropatenskaja spoke a nationality in language as believe, close to talyshskomu.
The Caucasian Albania was made basically by the earths of modern Azerbaijan. Albania is mentioned and described in works of the rimsko-Byzantian historians - Appolonija Rodossky, Dionisija, Strabona, Plutarha, Claudia Ptolemeja. Albany were engaged in animal industries, hunting and fishery, weaving, processing of metal and other crafts. The Servitude was capital of Albania. Unique creations of the Albanian masters testify to high development of Albania. Finds near village Nidzh of Gabalinsky area, in other places, have forced to speak about Jalojlutepinsky culture. Magnificent ceramics, work and ornament tools (IV century BC - III century AD) are presented in MIA. The big development has received monetary circulation. Used imported (selevkidskimi, parfjanskimi, Greek-baktrijskimi, Roman, Armenian, etc.) and numerous local coins. Here have started to mint coins - imitations Alexander the Great coins (first half III century BC) . In a life widely applied the press (imported and local).
In 1 century BC Romans have intruded in Transcaucasia, in 66 BC Pompey has seized Armenia, then has gone to Caspian sea, but resistance albanov has forced it to recede. In Gobustane there is an inscription about stay of the Roman legion.
In the beginning of our era Albania occupied territory from Derbent pass in the north to Mugansky steppe in the south. For strengthening of the power governors of Albania extended Christianity. There were vozdvignuto many perfect temple constructions. In the beginning of V century the Albanian alphabet has been developed, there was a writing. Struggle between Byzantium and Sasanidsky Iran in Transcaucasia has ended with conclusion of peace on which Albania has passed to sasanidam in 387. About three centuries Albania was under their oppression. The population paid heavy land and podushnuju a tax. Revolts flashed: Albanian tsar Vache in 459, revolt mazdakitov in the end of V - the beginning of VI centuries
In III century the nomads who have intruded in Albania (gunny) have reached to Atropateny. For protection against nomads on northern border of Albania sasanidy have erected strengthenings (Derbent gate V-VI centuries AD, and from the main Caucasian ridge to Caspian sea - a wall in length of 40 km and 18-20 m in height). During IV - first half VII centuries tjurkojazychnye tribes (gunny, hazary, etc.) Waged wars in Albania, and the part of these tribes settled here. As a result of attacks of nomads Albania has lost a part of northern earths, and capital have transferred in VI century from Servitude in the Bard. Long stay of Albania and Atropateny as a part of Sasanidsky Iran has created conditions for economic and cultural rapprochement of both parts of Azerbaijan. Cities - Servitude, the Bard, SHeki, Shemakha, SHabran, Tabriz, Gazak grew. Turkis and hazary intrusions have weakened power sasanidov, which and so waged long wars with Byzantium. In Albania area Girdyman which the dynasty mehranidov corrected starts to amplify. Mehranidy have grasped to the Bard and have transferred here the residence. The Girdymansky state with governor Dzhevanshirom (638-670) was formed
In second half VII centuries - first half IX centuries Azerbaijan was under the power of Arabian Halifata.
Arabian Halifat followers of the founder of Islam of Mohammed has inflicted defeat over Byzantines, in 637 has broken the Iranian armies and has seized capital Sasanidov (Ktesifon). Sasanidsky tsar Jezdigerd III has directed to Ktesifonu 80-thousand army from Atropateny under command Rustama with participation of soldiers from Albania led by Dzhevanshirom. However, as a result of defeat, Rustam was lost, and Dzhevanshir has come back to Albania.
Arabs in 642 have crushed Iranians and to these have put an end to the Sasanidsky state. The same year Arabs have attacked Arran, have occupied Nahchyvansky area. Atropatena (at Arabs - Azerbaijan) it has been won by Arabs, they have moved to Women-al-abvabu (Derbent), SHeki, have passed to Bajlakanu, have occupied to the Bard, SHamkir, Servitude, many areas and cities have imposed with taxes. The bard became residence of caliphal deputies in Azerbaijan. In 705 year the end to the state the Caucasian Albania has been put. Islam became the basic religion of Azerbaijan. The new culture, new traditions began to be created. And ognepoklonstvu any reconciliation it was not supposed to idolatry, though with Christians Arabs were reconciled. The Arabian language is entered as an official state language, becomes language of a science, philosophy and the literature. On the earths of Arran and Azerbaijan the Arabian immigrants settle. Soon long wars between Arabs and hazarami begin, Azerbaijan becomes the main arena of these wars with all their devastating and istrebitelnymi consequences, sufferings of the peace population. In 735 the Arabian commander Mervan has headed a campaign of Arabs in the country hazar, has crushed them completely, has grasped many cities, including new capital is scarlet-bejda. As a result hazary have accepted Islam. Almost one and a half centuries till the end of VIII century the territory of Azerbaijan was arena of arabo-Hazaria wars.
Revolt carrying red clothes hurramitov in the beginning of IX century for clearing from under oppression of the Arabian and local feudal lords, headed at first Dzhavidanom, and then legendary Babekom, has strongly weakened halifat. Were formed independent from halifata the states - shirvanshahov Mazjadidov, Salaridov, Sadzhidov, SHedaddidov, Ravvadidov. These states waged frequent interstine wars.
In the second quarter of XI century tjurkojazychnye tribes have started to get on territory of Azerbaijan from Central Asia through Iran from the southeast. Turkis-seldzhuki (oguzy) were the first among them. Oguzy-seldzhuki in XI century have seized Transcaucasia, have broken Byzantines and have created empire from Central Asia to Asia Minor which sultans corrected.
Sultan Masud (1133-1152) at the court yard had the bought slave-kipchaka (half-sheep) Ildegiza - the person presented both mind, and military talent. Masud has given out for it the become a widow/widower daughter-in-law, the wife of the late brother, and in the forties XII centuries has sent Ildegiza to operate Azerbaijan and Arran. This area has become destiny most Ildegiza till 1175, then destiny of its children and grandsons. The sultan became here the person only formally playing a role of the head of the state. Ildegiz the Georgian, in particular, has broken and has stopped their attempts to break on the south and to Caspian sea. The state atabekov-ildegizidov promoted "Renaissance" of the Azerbaijan culture. The architect of XII century Adzhemi Nahchyvani has glorified itself. In 1175 wife Ildegiza Momine-Hatun, and a month later and itself Ildegiz has died. Adzhemi has created mausoleum Momine-Hatun - a masterpiece nahchyvanskoj architectural school. Atabekami there was also son Ildegiza Dzhahan Pehlevan, brothers Dzhahana - Kyzyl-Arslan, Abu Bekr and the Uzbek (1210-1225) . The state ildegizidov has existed before the tataro-Mongolian invasion.
Even in the autumn of 1220 Mongols have intruded in limits of Iran and Azerbaijan, have reached Tabriz, and then in 1221 have seized Maragoj, Ardebilem, Bajlakanom, Shemakha, have reached Gandzha and Derbent. Intrusion was accompanied by terrible consequences, ruins, fires, destruction of inhabitants. In 1227-1228 the second campaign of Mongols on the southwest has taken place, and in 1235-1236 army Dzhormaguna has passed through Gandzha, SHamkur, Tavuz. In 1258 the Hulagu-khan has occupied Bagdad and has put an end Baghdad Halifatu. The state Hulaguidov (Ilhanov) has existed hundred years (1256-1355).
At Argun-khan Hulaguide (1284-1291) from Central Asia to Iran have come tjurkojazychnye tribes a penalty - and ak-kojunlu, received the name from the black and white ram represented on their banners. After Timur's death (Tamerlana) these tribes have appeared again in Azerbaijan and, having won over timuridami, have begun the states replacing each other the Penalty-kojunlu (1410-1468, capital Tabriz) and Ak-Kojunlu (1468-1500)
Shah Ismail Sefevi (a sort was the state Sefevidov founder. 1487, board 1501-1524). Leaning on tjurkojazychnye nomad tribes kyzylbashej, with autumn of 1500 Ismail has occupied Shemakha, has risen to Baku. In the beginning of spring of 1501 by undermining kyzylbasham it was possible to get into the Baku fortress. Having seized a city of Baku, Ismail has moved in Nahchyvan, has broken forces Alvenda Ak-Kojunlu, having received in hands all Southern Azerbaijan with Nahchyvansky edge and Karabahom. In 1503 Ismail has won fight near Hamadan and has put an end to the state Ak-Kojunlu. For some years it has taken hold not only Azerbaijan, but also Iraq (1508) and Khurasan. For 14 years Ismail has won 14 provinces. In 1524 after death Ismaila to the power its 10-year-old son Tahmasp (1524-1576) has come. In 1551 Tahmasp has switched on SHeki in structure of the Sefevidsky state. To the middle of XVI century all earths of Azerbaijan have been united for the first time as a part of uniform power of the Azerbaijan state Sefevidov.
After death Tahmaspa in the head of the state there was one of it of 9 sons - Mohammed Hudadbende (1577-1587), but rules in the state his wife Mahdi of the Beehive, the daughter of the governor of Iranian province Mazenderan. It discharged of state affairs Azerbaijan (tjurko-kyzylbashskih) emirs. Emirs have killed Mahdi the Beehive, mother of future shah Abbasa I (1587-1629). Having come to the throne, shah Abbas I in revenge for murder of mother ordered to interrupt leaders kyzylbashskih tribes, has transferred capital to Isfahan (1598) owing to what the Sefevidsky state has regenerated in the Iranian state. In the west of the Sefevidsky state there were long wars between Sefevidami and Turks-osmanli Turks (1514-1639). Twice - in 1534-1536 and in 1578-1601 all Azerbaijan has been occupied by the armies of the Turkey which have exterminated of many people and many moved in internal areas of Iran. Cities which were left by the majority of inhabitants have been devastated Tabriz, Hoj, Salmas and Urmia.
Shah Abbas I in 1605 has moved inhabitants Nahchyvani to Southern Azerbaijan, and inhabitants Dzhulfy - to Isfahan. On a way from Salmasa to Tabriz all has been burnt out. In 1607 Shah Abbas I has ruined Shemakha, has moved to many people from Gandzha and Ardebilja. During war of Sefevidsky Iran with sultan Turkey in 1616-1639 the Azerbaijan cities collapsed. In the thirties XVII centuries Turks have ruined Nahchyvan. In the beginning of XVII century there are powerful antifeudal performances of peasants ("dzhelali"). Among names of 23 leaders of groups the hero of the national epos of XVII century is mentioned and Kerogly (Rovshan). In 1638 the world between Iran and Turkey which All XVII century Azerbaijan has lasted 80 years till 1723 has been concluded remained under the power of Iran. Decline of economy of Iran has begun with the end of XVII century, and the power over suburbs starts to weaken. In the beginning of XVIII century the Cuban khanate is formed. In 1722 Russian tsar Peter I took Derbent, and in 1723 General Matjushkin took Baku, having destroyed structures of Palace SHirvanshahov, and in Petersburg the ambassador of Iran has signed the contract on transfer of Russia near-Caspian earths of Azerbaijan and Iran. Under the contract of Turkey and Russia (the Istanbul world, 1724) Azerbaijan, except the near-Caspian earths, has departed to Turkey. Struggle of Iran against Turkey was renewed by commander Nadir. It has expelled from Iran Afghans, and from a number of cities and a Turk. Having beaten off in 1734 at a Turk Gandzha, Nadir the contract on which Russian gave to Iran the near-Caspian earths has signed with Russia. In 1736 Nadir has proclaimed itself the shah. It has imposed Azerbaijan with heavy taxes and duties. Revolts against the Iranian oppression flash. Revolt in SHeki (1743-1744) was the most successful . The nadir-shah could not take fortress "Gelesen-geresen" ("you Will come - you will see"). In May 1747 Nadir-shah has been killed by conspirators, and its state began to break up. Independent Azerbaijan khanates are formed. In the north the Cuban khanate led by the Fatali-khan, in the northwest - Shekinsky khanate, in mountains of Small caucasus - the Karabakh khanate where wise poet Vagif was the vizier was allocated. In the mid-nineties XVIII centuries the Iranian khan Kazhdar, having grasped a southern part of Azerbaijan and a province of Iran, in 1795 has ruined Talyshsky, Nahchyvansky and Erivansky khanate, has intruded in Karabah. Russia also interferes in Transcaucasia.
War of Russia with Iran in 1804-1813 has ended podpisaniemgjulistanskogo contracts on which to Russia many khanates of northern Azerbaijan have departed. Repeated skirmish has come to the end 1826-1828 with the Turkmanchajsky contract which has divided Azerbaijan on two parts between Iran and Russia. Russia has started to introduce capitalism to Azerbaijan. In 1848 on Bibi-Ejbate there was proburenapervaja in the world an oil well. In 1859 the Shemahinsky province is renamed in Baku, and Baku is erected in a rank of a provincial city. The end of XIX century passes in Azerbaijan under the sign of rapid development of Baku and Apsherona. In Surahanah the first oil refinery (1859) is under construction And in 1863 - the first-ever kerosene factory. In 1868 the cable message between Baku and Tiflisom opens. In 70th of XIX century in Baku the Azerbaijan national theatre, real and oil schools open. In 1883 the railway of Baku-Tiflis is spent, and in 1892 the municipal transportation - konka starts to function. Baku promptly expands. In 1894 Narimanov has based the first Azerbaijan reading room. The visible patron of art of-Z. Tagiev builds in Baku the female school first in the east, a cotton-mill. In 1897 building of an oil pipeline of Baku-Batumi begins.
At the beginning of the century rapid growth of Baku proceeds.-Z. Tagiev spends the first line of the Baku waterpipe from with. SHollar (1911). The cement works are under construction. Baku turns to the world centre of oil extracting - gives 50 % of world oil and 95 % of oil of Russia. February bourgeois-democratic revolution of 1917 in Russia creates conditions for development of national-liberation movements on suburbs. On May, 28th, 1918 the Independent Azerbaijan Republic which has existed of 23 months, before input of armies of XI Red Army in Baku and establishments the Soviet power in Azerbaijan is proclaimed on April, 28th. In December, 1922 socialist Azerbaijan becomes a part of the USSR. Development of oil stocks of Azerbaijan proceeds. In 1923 on a place of artificial bulk harbour the first-ever sea petrocraft is formed. In Baku start up a tram (1924), the electric railway first in the USSR on Apsherone (1926). In 1941-1945 The Azerbaijan people together with other people of the USSR reflect aggression of fascist Germany.
Soon after war (1949) the first chink vrajone "Oil Stones" is drilled. In Baku houses, parks, factories, combines, power stations, the underground (1967) are under construction. In 1971 the milliard ton of oil from the beginning of industrial mining is extracted.
After disintegration of the USSR, the constitutional certificate about independence of Azerbaijan on October, 18th is accepted, and the Constitution of independent Azerbaijan on November, 12th, 1995 is accepted. It became a new mark in history of the Azerbaijan people - a mark of an epoch of democracy and progress.
