Caucasus

The region

This region consists of a fascinating collection of countries nestled around the Caucasus Mountains, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. To the south of the mountains are Muslim Azerbaijan and Orthodox Christian Georgia and Armenia. To the north lie a string of autonomous regions of Russia which are home to several Muslim peoples. The savage war in Chechnya spilt over into neighbouring countries and has produced many refugees. The area is struggling to recover from the collapse of the Soviet Union and is beset by problems of poverty and corruption. Azerbaijan alone is developing economically because of its oil reserves.

Christianity

The downfall of communism brought greater freedom for churches to worship and to share their faith with Muslims. Although there is still social and official resistance, many dynamic new churches have been established with a passion for outreach and mission. In Azerbaijan thousands of Muslims have found Jesus and are able to worship freely. Georgia and Armenia are proud of their Orthodox Christian heritage, and have vibrant evangelical churches with great potential to reach their neighbouring Muslims.

"The fresh fruits and vegetables in the autumn are delicious."

Mountains between Azerbaijan and Georgia

Cultural insight

"Tea and bread are staples. Their traditional music has great importance. Outwardly they may not look Muslim but their thinking is Muslim. There's much diversity, tradition, and cultural richness."