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Which religions have traditionally been most important in the Caucasus?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

Traditionally, the major religions in the Caucasus have been Islam, the Eastern Orthodox church, the Armenian Apostolic church, and Judaism.2

The religious landscape of the region has been shaped by its history as a crossroads for various empires and cultures. Key aspects of this religious distribution include:1

Islam: This faith is notably prevalent among many of the region's Turkic-speaking groups. In Azerbaijan, for instance, the population became predominantly Shiʿi Muslim by the 16th century, following earlier Arab incursions and subsequent Persian cultural influence.234
Christianity: The region has deep Christian roots, with Georgia and Armenia both converting to Christianity in the 4th century CE. The Eastern Orthodox church is the primary tradition among Georgians, while the Armenian Apostolic Church remains central to Armenian identity.42
Judaism: Historically, Judaism has also been one of the significant religious traditions present in the Caucasus.2

Beyond these major faiths, the region is home to numerous minority sects, reflecting the complex ethnic and cultural diversity of the area.2