Publisher's Synopsis
Academic Paper from the year 2018 in the subject Orientalism / Sinology - Islamic Studies, grade: A, language: English, abstract: A number of researches have been conducted regarding practicing religion in different regimes; however, there is a lack of studies about the practice of religion in Post-Soviet countries including Azerbaijan. So, the current study describes and compares adhering to the principles of Islam in Baku during the Soviet time and in independent Azerbaijan. The study was conducted by using a qualitative research method. Namely, semi-structured individual interviews and observations revealed that there is a significant gap between these two periods in terms of practicing Islam, and because of an educational system, access to worship places, and religious declarations, Islam is more practiced now in comparison to the Soviet time. In conclusion, the research can be used as a model by historians, religious experts, and researchers who are interested in the religious situation of Post-Soviet countries in the Soviet time and after their independence; additionally causes of why people who do not adhere to the principles of Islam regard themselves as Muslim may be a topic of further researches.
