#askazerbaijan

[askaphazerbaijan]

Could you show us your genderbent?

We spend lots of time together.

//damn why did I make him so hot?//

[ask--azerbaijan]

“Happy Novruz!”

(Novruz is the Persian New year and spring festival, marking the first day of spring not only in Iran, but Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other countries as well! Did you know? Azerbaijan is home to the second largest Novruz celebrations in the whole world, right after Iran, and they last for a total of seven days! It is also said that it was Azerbaijan’s eternally burning mountain [Yanar Dağ] that inspired fire-worshippers for some of Novruz’ traditions related to fire, such as lighting candles and bonfires. It's a holiday that goes way back in history, too. Being of non-Islamic origin, it may surprise some people that it retained its importance after the Arab conquest and the arrival of Islam, as well as the Soviet Union's attempts to destroy it centuries later. Stressing that Novruz has ancient roots and always lives in the heart of the Azeri nation, the “father of the Azeri nation” Heydar Aliyev succeeded in celebrating this holiday at a high level even during the harsh imperial era. He stood by his people throughout the holidays, congratulating them and calling on them to live in unity and harmony.

It is Azerbaijan’s most cherishes holiday which reflects the culture, national and spiritual values of Azerbaijani people. It’s a time for people to rejoice, purify, forgive, spend time with family, treat nature well, and wish for a successful and happy year with a great harvest. Novruz symbols include bright shades of green, bonfires, khoncha [Novruz trays with sweets and wheat shoots, traditionally surrounded by painted eggs and candles], various traditional dishes such as shakarbura [pastries with sweet nut filling and spices], pakhlava [Azerbaijani baklava], and kulcha [sweet spiced bread] -- and samani [səməni], freshly sprouted wheat, of course!

There’s a lot to this holiday, but as today marks the March equinox and the first day of Novruz in Azerbaijan, I don’t have time to draw more right now-- Feel free to ask questions regarding this unique holiday and its traditions if you want to!)

[ask--azerbaijan]

“At least that’s my opinion. Some people may disagree.”

[ask--azerbaijan]

(The beautiful and talented Səmra Rəhimli [Samra Rahimli] will represent Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016! She will perform her song “Miracle” which has yet to be presented this week. Azerbaijan was one of the last countries to announce its entry this year. In 2015 she participated in The Voice of Turkey, making it to the quarterfinals, and in March 2016 she became the first reason’s finalist of The Voice of Azerbaijan! Watch her performance here. This year’s ESC starts on May 10th! Don’t miss it!)

[ask--azerbaijan]

(A quick character sheet with Azerbaijan’s basic history! I really wish I could fit more on this sheet, but there’s simply too much, so I had to narrow it down this way. I’ll make a more detailed and bigger character sheet that’s non-chibi in the future, but for the time being this has to be enough! :p 

Hope it helps a little!)