Azerbaijan is central to understanding the South Caucasus. Its position on the Caspian Sea, energy resources, cultural heritage, and relationships with neighboring states have shaped regional politics, economic development, and international relationships. Looking east, its connections across the Caspian also link the Caucasus with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian Corridor.
While SRAS programs are not currently based in Azerbaijan, some incorporate the country as a significant component of regional study. Academic travel allows students to experience Azerbaijan directly while comparing its history, society, political development, and regional relationships with those of neighboring Georgia and Armenia.
Azerbaijan in the Caucasus
Azerbaijan occupies the eastern edge of the South Caucasus, connecting the region with the Caspian Sea and, beyond it, Central Asia. Its energy resources and transportation routes have strengthened its role in linking Caspian oil and gas, trade, and infrastructure with Turkey and European markets, while its relationships with Russia, Iran, Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey place it at the intersection of several regional interests.
Azerbaijan also follows a markedly different political and economic trajectory from neighboring Georgia and Armenia. Its close relationship with Turkey, the central role of energy in its economy, predominantly Muslim but secular society, and growing connections across the Caspian provide a distinct perspective on the choices and relationships shaping the South Caucasus.
Explore Azerbaijan
These destinations highlight different dimensions of Azerbaijan’s history, culture, landscape, and contemporary society.
Explore BakuBaku
Azerbaijan’s capital reflects the country’s transformation through oil, trade, and rapid urban development. Its Caspian setting, historic center, contemporary architecture, and political institutions offer perspectives on energy, governance, national identity, and regional connections.
Gobustan
Gobustan’s rock carvings and archaeological sites trace human activity across thousands of years. Its dramatic semi-desert landscape and nearby mud volcanoes provide perspectives on early settlement, changing environments, and the deep history of human life around the Caspian.
Sheki
Set along historic trade routes through the Caucasus, Sheki reflects centuries of exchange linking the region with wider Eurasia. Its architecture, caravanserais, craft traditions, and mercantile history offer perspectives on Silk Road trade, cultural exchange, and urban heritage.
Programs in Azerbaijan
Crossroads: Geopolitics and Security in the Caucasus
Travel across Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia while exploring geopolitics, conflict, and identity in one of Eurasia’s most strategic regions.
Programs that include Azerbaijan
Tbilisi: Identity and Conflict in the Caucasus
Study identity and conflict through regional travel, interdisciplinary courses, and language immersion across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Programs in Azerbaijan
Explore Azerbaijan with SRAS
While SRAS does not currently offer programs based in Azerbaijan, students may experience the country through academic travel incorporated into programs elsewhere in the region or through independent travel during their time abroad. SRAS can also work with faculty to develop custom programs that include Azerbaijan as a destination.
