While the origins of the Azerbaijani, (also known as the Azeri), are unclear, we do know that they have been subjected to numerous invasions throughout their history. They were first conquered by the Persians in the sixth century B.C. Islam was introduced into the area during the seventh century A.D. and has been practiced there ever since. By the eleventh century, Persian influence was overpowered by Turkic influence. Eventually, during the thirteenth century, this region of Asia fell under the dominion of Genghis Khan. These numerous invasions, combined with the tribal nature of the people, caused the Azeris to spread throughout Central Asia. Significant Azeri communities can be found in Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Iraq. There is a very small number of Azeris in the United States as well.

The first Azeri to immigrate to the US arrived in 1912. Though Azeris are still a small minority by American standards, the bulk of their immigration happened in the middle of the 20th century. They are scattered throughout various parts of the US and live in such diverse states as California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Because they live in various parts of the country, they have a special need for their own cultural and political organizations to maintain their ties to one another. The Azerbaijani Society of America, established in 1957, is the first Azerbaijani-American community organization. The US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce was established in 1995 to aid long term business ties between the US and Azerbaijan. Ironically, most Azeris in the US are from Iran, not Azerbaijan.

The Azeris are primarily Shia Muslims, but there are a number of Sunni Muslims as well. Islam among the Azeris is a reflection of the historical ties that exist between Azerbaijan and Iran. Until the twentieth century, most Azeri identified themselves as Muslims rather than Azerbaijani or Turks. They believe that being a "spiritual community of Islam" was much more important than being a nation.

The Azeris in the United States need to find their way to the only Savior, the one who paid for their sins on the cross and rose from the grave to have victory over death and Satan.

* Scripture Prayers for the Azerbaijani in United States.

*Pray for Holy Spirit driven Christ bearers to go to the Azeris in the US. * Ask the Lord to raise up a strong church planting movement among the Azerbaijanis in the US. *Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Azeris that will lead them to the cross and the empty tomb.

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10528/AJ https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18859/US https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijani_Americans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azerbaijani_diaspora#US_Azerbaijanis_Network_%E2%80%93_USAN