Sasanian Adurbadagan and Modern Azerbaijan: Historical Roots and Development

The article analyzes application of the name Adurbadagan to both sides modern Azerbaijan divided by Araz river into southern or Iranian and northern independent Republic Azerbaijan. authors believe that roots Avestan words Azar Atash. As a historical political term, originates from Achaemenids’ Aturpatakan (Atropatena) evolving Sassanian Adurbadagan—a Zoroastrian center empire. Since late Antiquity, Adurbadagan’s military administrative functions were extended applied Sassanids all lands in north Aras River, up Darband fortress Caucasus. In Islamic period, evolved Turkified form Azarbadajan Azerbaijan, cementing Azerbaijani Turks’ identity south entire Araxes.