Azerbaijan is a unique country, situated between Europe and Asia, it reflects both cultures in ways similar to its neighbors Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, and much like those other countries, it also has a some of the oldest recorded history.

Prior to the 16th century, Azerbaijan had a rich history of oral poems, epic tales, and folklore passed through generations. Early on Azerbaijani literature was influenced by Persian literature, due to it’s being part of the Persian Empire until the 19th century.

Some of the earliest known Azerbaijani poets were Nizami Ganjavi, born in 1141, and Khaqani Shirvani, born 1121. Both of these poets had a significant impact and influence on Azerbaijani literature moving forward.

In the 19th century, Azerbaijan became part of the Russian Empire and then later part of the Soviet Union. In the early 1800s, Mirza Fatali Akhundov wrote works of philosophy, realism, and satire. He is considered the father of modern Azerbaijani literature.

At the turn of the 19th century, many works by Azerbaijani writers focused on themes of socialism, society, and politics, as expected being part of the Soviet Union.

The late 20th century marks what many consider “modern” Azerbaijani literature. Azerbaijan gained its independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then Azerbaijani literature has undergone a sort of renaissance while the country continues to seek its identity. 

Prominent modern writers in Azerbaijan are Chingiz Abdullayev, known for writing detective novels and thrillers, as well as Akram Aylisli, a novelist and short story writer who’s works focus on the social issues of modern Azerbaijan society. His novel Stone Dreams was extremely controversial upon its release in 2013.