The Turks originally introduced the term «Tats» to refer to sedentary groups of non-Turkic origin. Tati Muslims speak a local language known as Tati, which is not a Turkic language. Since there is no alphabet for Tati, they use Azerbaijani for written and literary communication. Depending on the region where they live, the Tatis may also speak other local languages. They belong to three distinct religious communities, grouped under the category of «Tats»: Jewish Tats (known as Mountain Jews), Christian Tats, and Muslim Tats. The Muslim Tatas of Azerbaijan live in the mountain valleys in the north and north-east of the country, as well as in north-western Iran, in the mountain valleys along the Azerbaijani border.
Azerbaijan is an ethnically complex country where minorities are adamant about their traditional differences and seek local autonomy. The Tatas are considered a closed community because they insist on maintaining ethnic purity, allowing intermarriage only within the tribe, although today marriages between Tatas and Azerbaijanis are common.
Azerbaijani Muslim Tatas are farmers living in the valleys, raising wheat, barley, maize and cattle. Mountain villagers raise sheep, oxen and buffalo. In the north-eastern part of the country, communities of 80-120 houses are located in mountain settlements on ledges. Rural Tata Muslims still live in their ancestral villages among the mountains and valleys. The location of the village is determined by the availability of clean water. Each village has a mosque, bathhouse, well and family houses. In rural areas, Tata Muslims usually live in one- or two-storey houses built of rectangular natural stones bonded with clay mortar. The houses have flat roofs and front verandahs on wooden pillars. In two-storey houses, the upper floor is used for dwelling and the lower floor for work. Although education for children between the ages of six and eleven is compulsory, many classes have inadequate facilities. Education is segregated by gender, and the emphasis is on religion and traditional values.
Almost all Tatas of Azerbaijan are Muslims. The majority are Shiites, about one tenth are Sunnis. In terms of culture, everyday life, religion, and customs, Tatas do not differ much from Azerbaijanis. One of the most significant holidays is Novruz, and other general Muslim holidays are also celebrated. There has been little evangelisation among Tatar Muslims, as they are a small group living in inaccessible areas.