The International Crisis Group has determined , in the executive summary of the findings from its special report on religion in Azerbaijan , that : " Azerbaijan is a secular state with an overwhelmingly moderate ( predominantly Shiite ) Muslim population . Since the break-up of the Soviet Union and independence in 1991 , independent Sunni and Shiite groups have emerged which refuse the spiritual authority of the official clergy . Some are political , but very few , if any , appear intent on employing violence to overthrow the state . " In recent history , the Azerbaijani security services have focused on the threat posed by radical and nationalistic Islamic militant organisations , such as those responsible for the 1994 Baku Metro bombings and the 2007 Baku terrorist plot
1994 Baku Metro bombings
1994 Baku Metro bombings
Terrorism in Azerbaijan