Azerbaijani Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Azerbaijan lies in the South Caucasus, between Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran, with its capital Baku on the Caspian Sea. It is known as the land of fire for its natural gas flames. Azerbaijani is the national language. Azerbaijanis in Birmingham include students, professionals and families.

The community in numbers

The 2021 Census does not publish a separate Birmingham figure for the Azerbaijani community, which is counted within the census's figures for other Asian and European groups. By any measure it is one of the city's smaller communities, which makes the ties between its members all the closer.

Working for Birmingham

Azerbaijani residents study and work in engineering, energy, business, finance and medicine. Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry has long links with British companies, and Azerbaijani engineers and students bring expertise and connections to their work and studies in Birmingham.

Much of the work that keeps Birmingham moving happens out of sight: the night shift on a hospital ward, the early start on a building site, the plumber who fixes a boiler on a winter evening, the teaching assistant who helps a child learn to read. People from every community in the city do these jobs, and Azerbaijani residents are part of that everyday effort to make Birmingham a better place to live.

Culture and community life

Novruz, the spring new year, is the biggest celebration, with bonfires, painted eggs and sweet pastries such as shakarbura and pakhlava. Mugham, a traditional form of music, is recognised by UNESCO, and plov and dolma are favourite dishes. Tea is served with jam, and hospitality is a point of honour.

The story of the Azerbaijani community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.