1. about the subject

A theoretical look at the history of Azerbaijan.

Like other post-Soviet countries, Azerbaijan rejected the ideology of Marxism in history as well. However, the research in the field of theory were put aside. Thus, instead of a systematic interpretation of the history of Azerbaijan based on this or that concept of history, in fact, more complex and contradictory works have been created. Of course, this situation could be considered as satisfactory. Therefore, it became necessary to have a theoretical view to get a clear picture of it.

While studying the history of Azerbaijan, it is vital to address the application of Marx's theory. However, this theory does not allow to carry out more clear research on the history of Azerbaijan. The issue on the socio-economic formation of slavery in Azerbaijan might serve as an example. Other theories on the practice of studying the history of Azerbaijan are still unavailable. In fact, the history of Azerbaijan is so extensive and broad that it cannot be studied on the basis of existing historical concepts. Azerbaijan history provides a sound and indisputable material for the generalization of new theory. These can be expressed as follows:

- There are different civilizations (periods) in the historical development of Azerbaijan that replace each other;
- These civilizations have complex mutual impacts;
- History of Azerbaijan confirms that the historical development has a common consistent pattern.
Historical research materials


Scientific-research methods. Classification of scientific-research methods


Scientific-research methods, their classification. Information about the events and processes studied in each science is obtained through scientific methods. When discussing about the methods, special attention is paid to the identification of their types. Here, different approaches might be applied. ID Kovalchenko, an academician specialized in research methods, wrote that the methods related to the perception are very variable and they have a number of levels.
They are metaphysical, general, field-specific and specific or problem-based scientific methods. Referring to the methodology of historical science, V.Ivanov notes that the existing classification of methods is based on the genetic relatedness of a particular science or group of sciences. Obviously, these criteria are not enough. The specific features of the subject of history and its place in the system of other sciences must be taken into account. In this regard, the types of methods applied in historical research can be presented as follows: 1.general; 2. history-specific 3. Inter-scientific methods. Based on this scheme, the methods might be classified as : 1) general methods 2) field-specific and 3) interscientific methods
Description of groups of research methods. General methods are methods that have been adopted and applied in all sciences. Therefore, their scope is quite clear. For example, Synthesis and analysis, induction and deduction, descriptive and quantitative analysis, etc.
When we say special scientific methods, we mean mainly one or another scientific method. The scientific methods of this kind can be divided into two parts: 1) field-specific and 2) problem-based scientific methods. Field-specific methods are relatively well studied. This type of Methods includes historical comparison, historical-genetic, retrospective, and historical typology.
Historical comparison involves the comparison and characterization of an event under research with a similar one.
The historical genetic method studies the basic stages of development of a research task from the time of its creation. This method is used in some historical research. There are several examples of it: 1) Z. Bunyadov in his book "Azerbaijan in the VII-IX centuries" (Baku, 1989) studies the problem in the following sequence: creation of separate independent states and properties, etc.; 2) O. Afandiyev studies the history of Azerbaijan Safavids in the 16th century (Baku, 1981) as follows:
The history of the establishment and strengthening of the Safavid dynasty, the weakening and decline of the Safavids during the reign of I Tahmasib, and so on.
The retrospective method studies the past in the contemporary terms, the reason based on the effect.
Historical typology helps to study the events and processes in more depth, taking into account the main characteristics and descriptions of the events.
Another group of special historical methods is distinguished by the fact that historical time is based on them. These include synchronous and diachronic, chronological framework, chronology, actualization, and other methods. Methods such as actualization, chronological framework, chronology are in common use in all historical research. Re-chronology of the history of Azerbaijan has been taken as a research topic for its systematic and consistent study.
(see Section II). As a matter of fact, Synchronous and diachronic methods of studying public events are also historical. In the synchronous method, a set of events are studied as a definite variation in this and the same time interval (this topic is studied in detail in Part II of the history of Azerbaijan - K.Sh.). In the diachronic method, events are investigated in terms of evolution. In addition to special scientific methods, there are field-specific methods which are applied in the resolution of one or another specific problem in any science, as well as history.
At present, one of the most important events in the fields of science is that they interact with each other, sometimes creating a combined science. This has necessitated the application of interscientific methods. Historically, in addition to non-traditional methods such as observation and experimentation, mathematical methods, have been applied.
The observation is generally applied in ethnography. However, the historian can indirectly observe the process he is studying. For this purpose, historical evidences related to process under study must be arranged in sequence. Obviously, such an observation would fail to cover the live event, and therefore this observation of the historian is characterized with certain shortcomings.
The method of experiment is rarely used in historical research. Although there are several examples in this area in the world history (Salamin's battle, 480 BC) such as, the experiments of Tur Heyerdahl and S. Morrison, this method have not been referred to in the history of Azerbaijan. Scientific experiments might be carried out indirectly. There are indirect ways to conduct scientific experiments, such as an observation, which is called intellectual experiment.
Along with these methods, history uses non-traditional methods - mathematical methods. This is not a coincidence and has a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is due to the "computer revolution", that is, the further development of applied mathematics and computer technology. Another important reason is the internal development trends (effects of information explosion, an increase in the use of mass sources of detailed quantitative data; the need to "expose" the "inexplicable" information in the available sources through expansion of research topic; a deeper understanding of the nature of historical events and concepts, development of special materials resulting from the achievements of the Scientific and Technological Revolution (SCR) in modern socio-economic and political life. etc.) of the science, as well as the history in which mathematical methods and electronic calculators (CCs) are applied (information).
Interscientific methods, of course, do not end there, many of the important methods of the sciences are applied in historical research.
The research method smoothly integrates the methodology, methods and techniques. Methodology is considered critical among them.