In what country did Zoroastrianism start?
Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan goes back to the first millennium BC or earlier and was the predominant religion of Greater Iran before the conversion to Islam. The name Azerbaijan is Persian and means "protect(or) of Fire", which is said to have a direct link with Zoroastrianism. Today the religion, culture and traditions of Zoroastrianism remains highly respected in Azerbaijan, and the new year Nowruz continues to be the main holiday in the country. Zoroastrianism has left a deep mark in the history of Azerbaijan. Traces of the religion are still visible in Surakhany, Khinalyg, and Yanar Dag. One
Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan reign Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in the Empire. But he did not made any attempt to impose Zoroastrianism on the people of his subject territories. During the rule of King Darius I, Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Achaemenid Empire including Azerbaijan. Darius I also allowed moderate religious freedom in the satrapies (provinces). Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia defeated Darius III in 331BCE. During this period Zoroastrianism began to weaken. Many priests were killed. Many sacred texts of Zoroastrianism were destroyed and lost forever. Around 328 BC, Satrap of Media and Atropates formed an independent entity Atropatena.