The etymology of the phrase is thought to be related toAtropates, who ruled over the region ofAtropatene (presentIranian Azerbaijan). The name "Atropates" itself is theGreek transliteration of anOld Iranian, probablyMedian, compounded name with the meaning "Protected by the (Holy) Fire" or "The Land of the (Holy) Fire".[1] The Greek name is mentioned byDiodorus Siculus andStrabo. Over the span of millennia the name evolved toĀturpātākān then toĀdharbādhagān,Ādharbāyagān,Āzarbāydjān and present-dayAzerbaijan. The word is translatable as "The Guardian" offire or "The Land of the Fire"[1] inModern Persian.[2]
Some critics have argued that the phrase is a reference either to the natural burning of surface oil deposits or to the oil-fueled fires intemples of the once-dominantZoroastrianism.[3][4]
The symbolism of the term has been widely used in most fields, such as in heraldry, the shield inNational emblem of Azerbaijan contains the image of a fire in the center of an eight-point star against a background of the colors of theAzerbaijani flag.[5]
Atlético players with kits stating "Azerbaijan Land of Fire"
AfterAzerbaijan's independence fromSoviet Union, the phrase was used as a touristic campaign to promote the country as a tourist destination and as a location for industry. The phrase appeared in many touristic promotions, the most notable onAtlético Madrid's shirts between the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons.[6][7] In 2014, the phrase appeared onSheffield Wednesday andLens shirts after the clubs' promised but subsequently cancelled takeover by Azerbaijani businessmanHafiz Mammadov.[8][9]
The motto "Light your fire!", used to promote theEurovision Song Contest 2012, which was held in Baku, was based on the "Land of Fire" concept.[10]
The "Land of Flames" expression became the origin for the literary expressions denotingAzerbaijan in a number of European languages, such as inRussian languageStrana Ogney (Страна Огней, i.e. "Country of the Fires").[11]
