Islamic History and Literature

The historical and cultural roots of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are based on a common ethnic, religious and linguistic unity formed over millennia. The fact that both nations originate from the Oghuz lineage, belong to the same language group and share Turkic statehood traditions demonstrates that Azerbaijan-Turkey relations are not merely diplomatic ties but a brotherhood built upon shared identity. Throughout history, the migration of Turkic people, the rule of the Seljuks and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the influence of states such as the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu, played an important role in shaping the cultural and social structures of both nations. The common linguistic unity is the strongest identity element connecting Azerbaijan and Turkey. The inclusion of Azerbaijani Turkish and Turkey Turkish within the same Oghuz branch has strengthened the unifying role of the language in both daily communication and cultural heritage. Shared folklore traditions, similar forms of oral creativity - epics, ashig art, proverbs and mythological thinking - have united the spiritual memory of both people. In addition, the common Islamic religion, particularly the religious-spiritual system grounded in Sunni-Shia tolerance, has created parallels in both the social relations and spiritual identity of the two nations. Throughout history, religious and spiritual figures - Yunus Emre, Haji Bektash Veli, Fuzuli and Shah Ismail Khatai have formed a common spiritual heritage for both Anatolia and Azerbaijan. In the sphere of cultural identity, social structures such as folklore, music, dance, art, customs and traditions and family models have developed similarly in both nations. Common holidays such as Novruz, the wedding-ceremony system, social values, hospitality and strong family ties show that Turkic cultural heritage continues in parallel forms in both Azerbaijan and Turkey. This article extensively analyzes the historical roots of Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in the context of common language, religion, ethnic and cultural identity and explores how these similarities influence the political and ideological convergence of the two states in the modern era.