Ethnic Groups in Iran - Iranian Azeris

Iranian Azeris

Iranian Azeris, who are mainly Shi’a Muslims, are the second largest ethnic group in Iran after the Persians believed to constitute fifteen to twentyfour percent of the population. The Azeri (also known as Azerbaijani) population of Iran is mainly found in the northwest provinces: East Azarbaijan, parts of West Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan, and in some regions of Hamadan and Qazvin. Many others live in Tehran, Karaj and other regions. Generally, Azeris in Iran were regarded as "a well integrated linguistic minority" by academics prior to Iran's Islamic Revolution. In fact, until the Pahlavi period in the 20th century, "the identity of Iran was not exclusively Persian, but supra-ethnic", as much of the political leadership, starting from the 11th century, had been Turkic. Azaris are an Iranian people similar to Kurds who speak a Turkic language due to a process called "language displacement" that happened around 15-16th century. The Azaris were integrated with other Iranian groups until 19th century when after Russian invasion and annexation of northern Azerbaijan, nationalism and communalism began to alter popular perception among both ethnic groups. Despite friction, Azerbaijanis in Iran came to be well represented at all levels of, "political, military, and intellectual hierarchies, as well as the religious hierarchy." In fact, the first wave of Iranian nationalists such as Talebi Tabrizi and Akhundzade were ethnic Azaris from Azerbaijan SSR. In Iran the term "āzari" is used formally; however, informally, Azeris and other Turkic speaking Iranian populations are colloquially referred to as "Tork" (Turks). Since Pahlavi rule, Azaris have not been allowed to learn their language in school, though today there are Azari newspapers and radio programs. Some of Iran's Azaris are striving for language right to run their local government affairs.