Cultural and social life in North Azerbaijan (1828-1905)

19th century was a period of profound cultural and social transformations in Northern Azerbaijan. With the signing of the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828, the region came under the rule of Tsarist Russia, significantly disrupting traditional structures and bringing substantial changes to the administrative, economic, and social order. The Russian administration introduced new governmental structures, altered the balance between ethnic and religious groups, and reshaped the demographic composition through population movements. The dissolution of the traditional feudal system and the emergence of new economic relations influenced social class dynamics, paving the way for modernization, particularly in the fields of education, press, and literature. Traditional madrasa education was gradually replaced by schools established with new pedagogical methods, playing a crucial role in the emergence of an intellectual generation. The development of Azerbaijani Turkish as a literary and written language contributed to the formation of national identity consciousness, while the growth of the press and publishing industry facilitated public awareness of social and political issues. The increasing number of newspapers and journals accelerated the dissemination of intellectual movements, and writers and thinkers of the period reinforced modernization ideals through literature. Various aspects of social life were also affected by this transformation. Changes occurred in the traditional family structure, marriage rituals evolved, and the role of women in social life underwent significant shifts. Russian architectural influences became evident, urbanization accelerated, and the dynamics of daily life changed. Artistic and cultural activities experienced a noticeable transformation, with theater, music, and folklore acquiring new characteristics. This study examines the cultural and social changes in Northern Azerbaijan between 1828 and 1905, analyzing the impact of modernization on societal structures within a historical context.