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This is the first English language history to provide an overview of the history of Azerbaijan from the first evidence of inhabitation in pre-historic times to the oil-dominated political economy of today. Azerbaijan finds itself increasingly the focus of international attention, with the discovery of the Caspian region as one of the world's centres of production of oil, and the increased strategic and cultural significance of the Caucasus in the post-Soviet period. Moreover, it is the only Shi'ite-dominated country in the world apart from Iran - and, in contrast to its southern neighbour, an example of religious and social tolerance where the clergy have no place in politics. Charles van der Leeuw is a journalist, and author of Storm over the Caucasus, who has spent many years in Azerbaijan. Of particular significance is his sensitive approach to the question of the definition of the nation of Azerbaijan in earlier history. Drawing on a wide range of authorities, he defines the concept of Azerbaijan national identity through the process of history, building up a clear picture of the modern nation, its people and their aspirations.