Ethnic Features of the Molokans in Azerbaijan
Ethnic Features of the Molokans in Azerbaijan

Summary/Abstract: The article explores the ethnic features of the Molokans, who first appeared in Russia in the mid-18th century with the support of Semyon Uklein. They followed the Bible but refused many church rites and worshiped Orthodox saints and images. Their central message was the second coming of Christ and the establishment of a millennium kingdom in which only true Christians would enter. Molokanism caused discontent in the state, which led to the decree of Emperor Nicholas I on the recognition of the Molokanism heresy. Despite this, the Molokans gained freedom in the Caucasus, where they could practice their religion without significant restrictions. Then there is a retrospective of the settlement by the Molokans of Azerbaijan. In 1834, the Molokans established the first village of Alty Agach in the mountain valley of the Atachay River. The Molokan population continued to expand, and in 1840-1849 villages such as Hilmilli, Maraz, Chuhur-Yurt, Jabani, Astrakhanka, and Ivanovka appeared near Baku. The article also describes modern Ivanovka - a well-maintained rural village with solid houses, clean streets, and prosperous agriculture in the Ismailin district. Residents are proud of Nikitin Nikolai Vasilyevich, the founder of the collective farm, which in the time of the Soviet Union played a large role in the development of the post-war period. The problem of maintaining the ethnic characteristics of rural Molokan settlements persists. Many young people leave their homes searching for education and career opportunities, which challenges maintaining ethnic and cultural identity. Nevertheless, the research shows that the Molokans in Azerbaijan preserve their ethnic identity through clothing, nutrition culture, religious ceremonies, and preparation for funerals. The older generations of the Molokan community attach great importance to the way of life, they always attend meetings and refuse to consume alcohol. Families maintain a strict hierarchy of seniority.

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