Emil Kerimov, Parvin Ahanchi. Fire-worshiping in the Context of Zoroastrianism and Hinduism. Baku, "Khazar University" Publishing-House, 2014.

The book explores one of the most complicated and interesting religious centers of the South Caucasus the famous fire temple of "Ateshgah" (Az "place for fire-worshippers") which long attracted crowds of pilgrims from the countries of the Near East. Ateshgah is located in the village of Surakhany, the oldest oil industrial region on the Apsheron Peninsula of Azerbaijan. This fire temple is one of the first ancient centers of Zoroastrianism. Material for this research draws widely on studies of ethnic and social relations across Azerbaijan, India, and Iran. Special attention is given to studies of the Suraxany temple's in-scriptions and symbols. The authors attempt to highlight questions regarding Surakhany fire-worshippers' daily ritual, funeral ceremonies, food, and clothing. Drawing on little known but important works by Russian and European writers of the 17th through 19th centuries, as well as periodical press materials of the Russian empire from the 19th to carly 20th centuries, the au thors offer a rare picture of the everyday life and ritual in this extraordinary place. The authors argue that the road to Surakhany was informed by many other holy processions between India, Iran, and Azerbaijan.