Officials say Turks make up at least 40 percent of the population in Iran. Although the Turks claim that there are more of them, they are only big enough, as the government has acknowledged from time to time. At the same time, Azerbaijan has always been a key element of all major changes in Iran in modern history. Over the years, the wishes of Azerbaijanis have been denied or silenced. Given their large numbers, it may be more understandable that they are not separated from the center to some extent.
However, the situation has changed in recent years, especially after Persian nationalism has become an integral part of all Iranian policies at home and abroad. Iranian Turks are rapidly moving away from centrist political currents that appear to be both government and opposition. As the general discontent in Iran increased, these protests began to be expressed more openly. Naturally, the government tried to divert this political current, which it could not completely destroy. The efforts of the government can be found in the actions launched by Azerbaijanis in the name of democracy and equality, who are involved in every political event and movement. These efforts have manifested themselves in recent times as the power of the Turks has grown.
Cracked sounds inside the system
Everyone knows that Iran is completely on the side of Armenia in the Karabakh issue. However, the propaganda, which is one of the main features of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has taken serious steps to change this position. For example, Iran has always claimed to be close to Shiite Azerbaijan in order to influence people, especially those who care about religious issues. Ali Khamenei’s statement that “Karabakh is the Islamic Land” can be read on this basis. With these allegations, Iran admits that Armenia is an occupier. Moreover, it claims that Karabakh is an Islamic land, but does not stop aiding the aggressor. Today, it is clear to everyone that Iran is the closest friend of Armenia, and the Tehran government provides fuel and weapons to this war-torn aggressor.
Ahmad Alirizabeygi, who was the governor of East Azerbaijan during the great uprising of Azerbaijan in 1385, now criticizes Pan-Iranianism and says that Iranshahr is a fascist thought. Perhaps Beygi’s words are an indication of the dissatisfaction of Azerbaijanis in the government with the system. As Sipah leader Beygi approached the presidential election, he attacked Abbas Akhundi, who was thought to be the reformist candidate. Abbas Akhundi was criticized by Beygi, known as a conservative who is known to be associated with Pan-Iranianism and Iranshahr thought.
This issue is extremely important in terms of the strength of Azerbaijan and the Turks. However, as the election approaches, this visit can also be used to inflame the Persian-Turkish poles under this pretext to draw the nation to the ballot box. In the current situation, Iran needs the people to participate in the elections. In Iran, where discontent is growing, all the desires of the Turks are reduced not only to a superficial ethnic desire, but also to control the power of Azerbaijan.
Of course, there may be those who break away from the government and come to the nation, but the nation must be open to games that try to break the power of Azerbaijan through political games.
