a landlocked republic in southwestern Asia; formerly an Asian soviet
"After gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan emerged as a landlocked republic in southwestern Asia."
A country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia; official name: Republic of Azerbaijan
"Azerbaijan is a country located in the South Caucasus region known for its rich oil reserves and historical architecture."
The word comes from Middle Persian, where it originally meant "Atropates," referring to the Persian nobleman who founded the kingdom of Atropatene. This name itself descends from Old Persian *Ātr̥pātah, which literally means "protected by fire."