Religious Sites as Tourism Attractions : the Case of Azerbaijan

The rapid development of tourism in the last few decades has transformed many religious sites into important tourism attractions attracting both pilgrims and tourists. However, in many developing countries, numerous factors have hindered such development largely due to political, economic or socio-cultural influences. This research seeks to contribute to the existing literature of religious tourism by exploring the development of religious heritage sites in Azerbaijan. Exploratory in nature, the study adopts a qualitative approach combining secondary data analysis and participant observation at two religious heritage sites. The findings reveal that Azerbaijan has not yet recognized its potential as a religious tourism destination and there is an absence of enough attention to religious heritage throughout of the country. Along with the general lack of awareness regarding this type of tourism, religious sites are poorly maintained and managed