Стр. 11 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

11
In the seventh century, a major turning point occurred in the historical fate of Azerbaijan with the adoption of
Islam.
Islam gave a strong push toward the formation of a united nation. The creation of religious unity between Turkic
and non-Turkic people was the reason for the development and deepening of united traditions within the Azer-
baijani territory.
However, since inviting other monotheists to become Muslim was against the principles of Islam, Albania’s
Christian population remained unaffected during the Arab invasions. As a consequence, the country faced reli-
gious division: a majority Turkish Muslim population that was spread all over the territory of the country, Alba-
nians who adopted Islam, and a minority Christian population living mostly in northern Azerbaijan’s western
district and Albanians who did not adopt Islam.
After the Caliphate collapsed, Azerbaijan’s ancient statehood traditions began to flourish again beginning in the
mid-ninth century. A new political revival emerged in Azerbaijan. In the territories of Azerbaijan where Islam
spread, the Saji, Shirvanshah, Salari, Ravvadi, and Shaddadi governments were established.
In this period the Sheki government was founded in northwestern Azerbaijan up to Tbilisi, which marked the
border of Islam. Rulers in Sheki held Albanian titles and served as the heirs of the Albanian government. To the
west of Sheki there was a Muslim government with its capital in Tbilisi as part of the Tbilisi Muslim Emirate. As
a result of the creation of independent governments, a revival was seen in all areas of political, economic, and
cultural life. The renaissance era of Azerbaijan was beginning.
Within a historical period of just over half a century (879–941), all Azerbaijani lands were united in a single Azer-
baijani Turkish government: the Saji Government. This development led to the strengthening of economic and
cultural relations across the entire country, the abolition of ethnic differences, and the formation of an Azerbaijani
Turkic nation.
During its reign, the Saji Government ruled over large areas from Zenjan to Derbent, from the shores of the
Caspian Sea to the cities of Ani and Debil. The entirety of Azerbaijan was included under the Saji Government.
Map 2
Azerbaijan Atabaylar State (1136-1225)
Source: Буниятов З.М. Государство атабеков
Азербайджана (1136-1225). Баку, 1978