Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan of the world`s oldest religions Zoroastrianism was also practiced in the territory of Azerbaijan in ancient times. Zoroastrianism, sharing its name with its founder Iranian prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra), was the first monotheistic belief in the world and the official religion in Persia from 600 BCE to 650 CE. Zoroastrians believed that a god called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) created the universe. Sacred book of Zoroastrianism Avesta consists of two main sections: the oldest section contains the Gathas including seventeen hymns and the younger Avesta containing commentaries to the older one. It also includes myths, stories and details
Avesta the extended Yasna are from the "Yasht"s, which are hymns to the individual "yazata"s. Unlike the "Yasna", "Visperad" and "Vendidad", the "Yasht"s and the other lesser texts of the Avesta are no longer used liturgically in high rituals. Aside from the "Yasht"s, these other lesser texts include the "Nyayesh" texts, the "Gah" texts, the "Siroza", and various other fragments. Together, these lesser texts are conventionally called "Khordeh Avesta" or "Little Avesta" texts. When the first "Khordeh Avesta" editions were printed in the 19th century, these texts (together with some non-Avestan language prayers) became a book of common prayer for lay