· January, 2009

Stories about Azerbaijan from January, 2009

Azerbaijan: IDPs

  10 January 2009

“sIDe-tALKs” Azerbaijan visits Azeri refugees and IDPs displaced by the war with Armenia over the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh in the early 1990s. The blog posts photographs of the visit and says that while attempts to integrate refugees and IDPs into Azerbaijani society have gained momentum, much more remains...

Azerbaijan: Ashura in Baku

  9 January 2009

Joe's Trippin’ posts an extended entry complete with photographs and video of this week's Day of Ashura [See here for earlier coverage] in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Although the blog says that the Koran and most Moslem governments ban self-mutilation, a few dozen faithful flagellated or...

Azerbaijan: Hypothetical U.S. Armed Forces Support

  9 January 2009

J. Gary's Windows Live Space details a hypothetical military operation in which U.S. armed forces support Azerbaijan in restoring sovereignty over part of its territory captured by a mythical enemy, “Ahuristan.” The blog by U.S. Major Gary Casey provides a background to the kind of training officers undergo in preparation...

Azerbaijan: Day of Ashura

  8 January 2009

Yesterday marked the Day of Ashura, a religious festival commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, at the battle of Karbala. Often associated with images of flagellation using chains, the day is observed in Azerbaijan, a predominantly Shia but secular Moslem country in the South Caucasus, differently.

Azerbaijan: Bayramlıq

  7 January 2009

Sheki, Azerbaijan introduces its readers to the local custom of Bayramlıq when an engaged girl is presented with gifts during the holiday season. According to the tradition, the family of her future husband brings gifts and sweets and the blog posts photographs of some of them.

Azerbaijan: New Year

  6 January 2009

Sheki, Azerbaijan comments on the history of Baku and says that museums and concert halls are being renovated while contemporary artists are supported more and more. Seasonal exhibitions have also been well received by the public, while Joe's Trippin’ posts photos of the snow in Baku's old town.

Azerbaijan: Off the Air

  5 January 2009

Following the recent ban on foreign radio broadcasts in Azerbaijan, Thoughts On The Road registers its disappointment with the move. Although Radio Free Europe will now concentrate on expanding its web site, the blog says that this is no replacement for a radio station. It also wonders how Azerbaijani students...

Azerbaijan: Homophobia

  5 January 2009

Unzipped: Gay Armenia reports on the continuing battle of words between two Azerbaijani singers who accuse each other of being gay. The blog dealing with LGBT issues in the South Caucasus says that new comments made by another singer on heterosexual relationships seemed quite progressive for the region until he...

Azerbaijan: Cultural Destruction

  4 January 2009

Another year has passed since the 1994 ceasefire put the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh on hold, but a lasting peace remains elusive. However, both countries continue to accuse the other of destroying cultural and historical monuments. But, while the issue of the destruction of an ancient Armenian cemetery in the exclave of Nakhichevan is frequently raised, less is known about the cultural loss suffered by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan: Back in Baku

  4 January 2009

Thoughts On The Road returns to Baku, capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and recounts a conversation with a local taxi driver on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The blog reflects on the effect war has on the human consciousness.

Azerbaijan: Foreign Broadcasts Banned Ahead of Constitutional Referendum

  4 January 2009

As the country prepared to see in the New Year, Azerbaijan's National Council for Television and Radio banned international radio stations from broadcasting on national frequencies. The decision was effective from 1 January 2009 and affected three radio stations broadcasting on the FM frequency. In a region where tight government control defines the media, the ban was seen by some as an attack on the last remnants of free speech in Azerbaijan.

Caucasus: New Year, Christmas

  3 January 2009

With Christmas and the New Year usually accompanied by lavish television spectaculars and decorations in the center of most cities worldwide, celebrations in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are the same to some extent, but usually more low-key and family-orientated. A number of expat workers and Peace Corps Volunteers in all three countries offer an outside eye on proceedings.